Hadith #7614

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

العمل الصالح أفضل الزادين

which translates to

Righteous action is the better of the two provisions.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (al-'amal) "العمل" refers to righteous action or good deeds. It encompasses all acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, giving charity, and performing Hajj, as well as acts of kindness, honesty, and justice in our daily lives. It emphasizes the importance of actively engaging in virtuous actions and fulfilling our responsibilities towards Allah and His creation.

The word (as-salih) "الصالح" means righteous or good. It signifies actions that are in accordance with the guidance of Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ), actions that are sincere and done solely for the sake of pleasing Allah. These are the deeds that bring about spiritual growth, purify the soul, and earn the pleasure of Allah.

The word (afdal) "أفضل" means better or superior. It highlights the superiority and excellence of righteous actions over other provisions or possessions in this world. It reminds us that the true value and significance of our actions lie in their righteousness and their impact on our spiritual journey and the Hereafter.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that the material possessions and worldly pursuits are temporary and fleeting. They may bring temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but they do not hold any lasting value or benefit in the grand scheme of things. On the other hand, righteous actions have eternal rewards and consequences. They are the provisions that truly matter in the journey towards the Hereafter.

In Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes that while wealth and children may be considered blessings in this world, they are not the ultimate measure of success or happiness. The enduring good deeds, the righteous actions, are what truly matter and hold value in the sight of Allah.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that our actions are the true provisions for our journey in this world and the Hereafter. They are the means by which we can attain closeness to Allah and earn His pleasure. Our actions have the power to transform our lives and shape our destiny.

By prioritizing righteous actions, we ensure that our provisions for the journey are of the highest quality. They become a source of strength, guidance, and blessings. They bring us closer to Allah, increase our faith, and purify our souls. They become a means of attaining success in this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that righteous actions are the superior provisions for our journey in this world and the Hereafter. They hold eternal value and bring us closer to Allah. Let us strive to prioritize and excel in our righteous actions, for they are the true measure of our success and the key to attaining the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to perform righteous actions that will benefit us in this life and the Hereafter.