Hadith #1358

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

المؤمن قليل الزلل، كثير العمل

which translates to

A believer makes few mistakes and does plenty of work.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities and actions of a true believer.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words. The word (mu'min) "مؤمن" refers to a believer, someone who has faith in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and follows the teachings of Islam. (qalil al-zall) "قليل الزلل" means making few mistakes or errors, indicating that a true believer is cautious and careful in their actions, striving to avoid sin and wrongdoing. On the other hand, (kathir al-amal) "كثير العمل" means doing plenty of work or good deeds, emphasizing the importance of actively engaging in righteous actions and fulfilling one's obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fellow human beings.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and piety, not in wealth, status, or lineage. Therefore, a believer who makes few mistakes and performs abundant good deeds is indeed the most noble in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr (103:1-3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 verse highlights the importance of faith and good deeds. It reminds us that the path to salvation lies in believing in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), performing righteous actions, and encouraging one another towards truth and patience. Therefore, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran.

The profound wisdom behind this Hadith is that a true believer is not only cautious and mindful of their actions, but also actively engages in performing good deeds. This balance is essential for spiritual growth and development. By making few mistakes, a believer demonstrates their commitment to avoiding sin and wrongdoing, while by doing plenty of work, they showcase their dedication to fulfilling their religious obligations and serving humanity.

The motivation behind this Hadith is to inspire Muslims to strive for excellence in their faith and actions. It encourages believers to be mindful of their behavior, seeking to minimize mistakes and maximize good deeds. By doing so, they not only strengthen their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but also contribute positively to society, spreading goodness and righteousness.

The consequences of embodying the teachings of this Hadith are immense. By making few mistakes, a believer safeguards their spiritual well-being and protects themselves from the negative consequences of sin. By doing plenty of work, they accumulate a treasure of good deeds that will benefit them in this world and the hereafter. Moreover, their actions serve as an inspiration for others, encouraging them to follow the path of righteousness and seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that a true believer is characterized by making few mistakes and doing plenty of work. This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, emphasizing the importance of righteousness, good deeds, and striving for excellence in faith. By embodying these qualities, Muslims can attain spiritual growth, benefit society, and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be true believers who make few mistakes and engage in abundant good deeds.