Hadith #7783

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 righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا يَسْتَغْني عامِلٌ عَنِ الاِسْتِزادَةِ مِنْ عَمَل صالِح۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of continuously striving to increase one's good deeds and never considering oneself self-sufficient in this regard.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (istizadah) "اِسْتِزادَةِ" refers to the act of seeking more or increasing. It implies the continuous effort to accumulate good deeds and not being content with one's current level of righteousness. The word (amal) "عَمَل" means good deeds, actions, or deeds of righteousness. It encompasses all acts of worship and obedience to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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 preparing for our journey in this world and the hereafter. Just as a traveler carries provisions for their journey, a believer should strive to accumulate good deeds as provisions for the journey towards the eternal life.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 18, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.

This verse emphasizes the concept of increasing one's good deeds. By continuously performing acts of charity and loaning Allah a goodly loan, believers can expect their rewards to be multiplied and their status elevated.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to never become complacent in their worship and to always strive for improvement. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and seek opportunities to increase our good deeds. This mindset of continuous growth and improvement is essential for spiritual development and strengthening our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By understanding the wise message of this Hadith, we can motivate ourselves to engage in acts of worship regularly and consistently. We should not limit ourselves to the obligatory acts of worship alone, but also actively seek opportunities to perform voluntary acts of worship, such as offering additional prayers, giving in charity, and engaging in acts of kindness and service to others.

The consequences of implementing this Hadith in our lives are immense. By continuously increasing our good deeds, we not only earn the pleasure and forgiveness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but also develop a strong sense of self-discipline and spiritual growth. Our actions become a means of purifying our souls and elevating our status in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Additionally, the act of continuously striving to increase our good deeds helps us to remain humble and avoid the trap of self-righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of continuously increasing our good deeds and never considering ourselves self-sufficient in this regard. It encourages us to seek opportunities for growth and improvement in our worship, and to never become complacent in our spiritual journey. By reflecting on this Hadith and implementing its teachings in our lives, we can strive towards a higher level of righteousness and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to continuously increase our good deeds and attain His eternal mercy and blessings.