Hadith #6052

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

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

مِنْ أفْضَلِ الأعْمالِ اِكْتِسَابُ الطَّاعَاتِ

which translates to

From the best of deeds is acquiring [and performing] acts of obedience [and worship].

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of actively seeking and engaging in acts of obedience and worship as a means of attaining righteousness and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us explore the key words and concepts within it. The word (deeds) "أعْمَالِ" refers to all actions and behaviors, whether they are physical acts of worship or internal acts of the heart and mind. (acquiring) "اِكْتِسَابُ" implies a deliberate effort and intention to obtain and accumulate these deeds. And finally, (acts of obedience) "الطَّاعَاتِ" encompasses all acts of worship and obedience to Allah's commands.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support the importance of actively seeking and performing acts of obedience and worship. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights the importance of acquiring provisions for our worldly needs, but it also emphasizes that the best provision is Taqwa, which is achieved through acts of obedience and worship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mulk (67:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving.

This verse reminds us that our actions and deeds are a means of testing and evaluating our righteousness in the sight of Allah. Therefore, actively acquiring and performing acts of obedience and worship is essential in order to excel in these tests.

The exegesis of this Hadith highlights the importance of actively seeking and acquiring acts of obedience and worship. It encourages Muslims to be proactive in their pursuit of righteousness and closeness to Allah. This involves not only performing the obligatory acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, but also engaging in voluntary acts of worship, such as night prayers (Tahajjud), recitation of the Quran, and seeking knowledge.

By actively acquiring and performing acts of obedience and worship, Muslims can strengthen their relationship with Allah, increase their spiritual growth, and attain the ultimate goal of attaining His pleasure and Paradise. It is through these acts of obedience that one can purify their soul, develop self-discipline, and cultivate a deep sense of gratitude and humility towards Allah.

Moreover, the motivation behind acquiring acts of obedience and worship should be solely for the sake of Allah and seeking His pleasure. It should not be driven by worldly gains or the desire for recognition from others. The intention behind these deeds should be pure and sincere, solely seeking the pleasure of Allah and His reward in the Hereafter.

The consequences of actively acquiring and performing acts of obedience and worship are manifold. Firstly, it strengthens our faith and increases our love for Allah. Secondly, it purifies our hearts and protects us from sinful behaviors. Thirdly, it brings us closer to the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who were the epitome of obedience and worship. Lastly, it instills a sense of discipline and self-control in our lives, enabling us to lead a balanced and righteous lifestyle.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of actively seeking and acquiring acts of obedience and worship. It encourages Muslims to be proactive in their pursuit of righteousness and closeness to Allah. By engaging in these acts, we can strengthen our relationship with Allah, increase our spiritual growth, and attain His pleasure and Paradise. May Allah grant us the ability to acquire and perform acts of obedience and worship, and may He accept our efforts.