Hadith #1004

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best matters are those which lead to deliverance [from hellfire].

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of seeking actions and decisions that lead to salvation and deliverance from the torment of the hellfire.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (khayr) "خَيْرُ" means "best" or "good." It refers to actions and matters that are virtuous, righteous, and beneficial. The term (al-umur) "الأُمُورِ" translates to "matters" or "affairs," encompassing all aspects of life, including our actions, decisions, and choices. Finally, (ma) "ما" means "that which" or "what," indicating that the Hadith is referring to a specific category of matters.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran, the divine source of guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteous actions and deeds that lead to salvation. In Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah says,

By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.

This ayah highlights the importance of faith, righteous actions, and mutual advice in the pursuit of salvation. It aligns perfectly with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), as it emphasizes the significance of actions that lead to deliverance from the hellfire.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:9), where Allah says,

The Day He will assemble you for the Day of Assembly - that is the Day of Deprivation. And whoever believes in Allah and does righteousness - He will remove from him his misdeeds and admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment.

This verse reinforces the concept that righteous actions and faith are the keys to salvation. Allah promises to forgive and remove the misdeeds of those who believe in Him and engage in righteous deeds. They will be rewarded with eternal bliss in gardens of paradise.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that the best matters are those that lead us towards salvation and deliverance from the hellfire. These matters encompass all aspects of our lives, including our thoughts, intentions, words, and actions. It is crucial for Muslims to constantly evaluate their choices and ensure they align with the teachings of Islam.

For example, choosing to perform acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and giving charity, are among the best matters that lead to deliverance. These acts purify the soul, strengthen the bond with Allah, and earn His mercy and forgiveness. Similarly, engaging in acts of kindness, honesty, and justice are also considered virtuous matters that contribute to our salvation.

Conversely, engaging in sinful actions, such as lying, backbiting, and indulging in forbidden desires, are detrimental to our spiritual well-being and can lead us away from deliverance. These matters distance us from Allah's mercy and increase the risk of falling into the hellfire.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to constantly strive for righteousness and seek actions that lead to salvation. It encourages us to reflect on our choices and make decisions that align with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of choosing matters that lead to deliverance from the hellfire. It urges Muslims to seek actions and decisions that are virtuous, righteous, and beneficial. By aligning our lives with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive for salvation and eternal bliss in the hereafter. May Allah guide us all to the best matters and grant us deliverance from the hellfire.