Hadith #3427

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ قَدَّمَ الخَيرَ غَنِمَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who advances good, gains.

In this thought-provoking Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of taking the initiative to do good deeds and the rewards that come with it.

To better understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (qaddama) "قَدَّمَ" means to advance or precede, indicating the act of taking the initiative and being proactive in performing good deeds. (al-khayr) "الخَيرَ" refers to goodness, righteousness, and acts of virtue. And (ghanima) "غَنِمَ" means to gain, acquire, or reap the rewards.

This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and the rewards that await those who do so. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:148),

So race to [all that is] good.

This verse encourages Muslims to compete in performing good deeds, urging them to take the lead in acts of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:21), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth.

This verse emphasizes the importance of hastening towards seeking forgiveness and engaging in acts of righteousness, promising a great reward in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively seek opportunities to do good and to be at the forefront of virtuous actions. By taking the initiative to perform acts of kindness, charity, and righteousness, we not only benefit ourselves but also inspire others to follow suit. Our efforts in advancing good can have a ripple effect, spreading positivity and goodness throughout society.

Moreover, this Hadith highlights the concept of intention and sincerity in our actions. When we advance good with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure and not for personal gain or recognition, we are more likely to reap the true rewards of our deeds. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan (76:22),

Indeed, the righteous will drink from a cup [of wine] whose mixture is of Kafur, a spring of which the [righteous] servants of Allah will drink; they will make it gush forth in force [and abundance].

This verse illustrates the abundant rewards that await the righteous in Paradise, where they will be granted the purest and most delightful drinks. The righteous, who have advanced good in this world, will be blessed with the eternal pleasures of Paradise, a reward far greater than anything in this worldly life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

One who advances good, gains,

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be proactive in performing good deeds. By taking the initiative to do good, we not only benefit ourselves but also inspire others to follow in our footsteps. This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of performing good deeds and promise abundant rewards for those who do so. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to advance good and reap its rewards in this world and the Hereafter.