Hadith #3384

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

الخَيْرُ أسْهَلُ مِنْ فِعلِ الشَّرِّ

which translates to

Good is easier [to do] than an evil action.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inherent ease and simplicity of performing good deeds compared to engaging in evil actions.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (al-khayr) "الخَيْرُ" refers to goodness, righteousness, and acts of virtue. It encompasses all actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and beneficial to oneself and others. (as-halu) "أسْهَلُ" means easier or simpler, indicating that performing good deeds requires less effort and struggle. On the other hand, (fi'li ash-shar) "فِعلِ الشَّرِّ" refers to engaging in evil actions, which are harmful, sinful, and contrary to the teachings of Islam.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse emphasizes the merciful nature of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), who does not impose unbearable hardships upon His servants. It implies that the path of righteousness and good deeds is within the reach of every individual, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has made it easy for us to perform acts of goodness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation.

This verse highlights the importance of avoiding evil actions and promoting goodness in society. It reminds us that engaging in acts of corruption and wrongdoing is a choice that requires effort, while rectifying and reforming ourselves and our surroundings is a simpler and more virtuous path.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that the path of righteousness and good deeds is accessible to all. It encourages us to prioritize acts of goodness and virtue over engaging in evil actions. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also contribute to the betterment of society and the well-being of our fellow human beings.

The simplicity and ease of performing good deeds should motivate us to actively seek opportunities to do good. Whether it is offering a kind word, helping those in need, or practicing patience and forgiveness, these acts of goodness have far-reaching positive consequences. They not only bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of goodness in our communities.

Conversely, engaging in evil actions may seem tempting or alluring, but they ultimately lead to negative consequences and spiritual harm. The Quran warns us against the consequences of evil deeds in Surah Al-Isra (17:81), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: 'Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed, falsehood is ever bound to depart.'

This verse reminds us that falsehood and evil actions are transient and will ultimately be exposed and abandoned, while truth and goodness prevail.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize and actively engage in acts of goodness and virtue. It highlights the inherent ease and simplicity of performing good deeds compared to engaging in evil actions. By embracing this message and striving to embody it in our daily lives, we can contribute to the betterment of ourselves, our communities, and society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and make it easy for us to perform acts of goodness.