Hadith #1511

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 the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

مَعَ البِرِّ تَدِرُّ الرَّحْمَةُ۔

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali emphasizes the profound connection between righteousness and mercy. Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (bir) "بر" refers to righteousness, piety, and acts of goodness. It encompasses all actions that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and that bring one closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It includes acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, as well as acts of kindness, justice, and honesty towards others.

The word (rahmah) "رحمة" translates to mercy, compassion, and kindness. It is a divine attribute of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that encompasses His infinite love, forgiveness, and benevolence towards His creation. Mercy is not only a quality of Allah, but it is also a virtue that Muslims are encouraged to embody in their interactions with others.

To understand the profound connection between righteousness and mercy, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of both these qualities. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:43)

And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]. Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason?

This verse highlights the significance of righteousness in Islam, as it is not only a personal obligation but also a responsibility towards others. It reminds Muslims to enjoin righteousness upon others while also practicing it themselves. By doing so, they become a source of guidance and mercy for the community.

Furthermore, the Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of mercy and compassion. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah says, (Quran 8:46)

And know that Allah is with the righteous.

This verse assures Muslims that Allah is always present with those who are righteous, indicating that righteousness is a means to attain Allah's mercy and support.

The connection between righteousness and mercy can also be understood through the concept of divine balance. When a person strives to be righteous, they align themselves with the divine will and seek to fulfill their obligations towards Allah and His creation. In doing so, they cultivate a sense of empathy, compassion, and mercy towards others.

For example, a person who is righteous in their dealings with others will be fair, just, and kind. They will treat others with respect, dignity, and compassion. Their actions will be guided by the principles of justice and mercy, and they will strive to alleviate the suffering of those around them.

Conversely, a person who lacks righteousness may be prone to selfishness, injustice, and cruelty. They may disregard the rights of others, exploit the weak, and cause harm and suffering. Such a person is far from the mercy of Allah and is disconnected from the divine balance that righteousness brings.

In light of this Hadith, we can understand that righteousness is not limited to personal acts of worship but extends to all aspects of life. It encompasses our relationships with others, our responsibilities towards society, and our commitment to justice and compassion. When we embody righteousness, we become a source of mercy and blessings for ourselves and those around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully reminds us of the inseparable connection between righteousness and mercy. It teaches us that by striving for righteousness, we open the doors for abundant mercy to flow into our lives and the lives of others. Let us strive to be righteous in all our actions and interactions, seeking the mercy and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and shower His mercy upon us.