Hadith #2564

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 our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the criteria by which the good doers are recognized. The Arabic words used in this Hadith are (as-sun al-akhyaar) "السُّنِ الأَخْيارِ", (al-af'aal) "الأفْعَالِ", and (as-siirah) "السِّيرَةِ".

The term "السُّنِ الأَخْيارِ" refers to the words and praises spoken by righteous people about the good doers. It signifies the positive reputation and recognition that the righteous individuals give to those who consistently engage in virtuous actions. This recognition is not merely based on hearsay or superficial observations, but rather on the genuine testimony of those who possess wisdom and righteousness.

The word "الأفْعَالِ" refers to the good deeds performed by the individuals in question. It encompasses all righteous actions, whether they are acts of worship, acts of kindness towards others, or acts of self-improvement. These actions are a reflection of the individual's faith and commitment to pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Lastly, the term "السِّيرَةِ" refers to the virtuous conduct and character of the good doers. It encompasses their moral values, ethics, and the way they interact with others. It includes qualities such as honesty, integrity, patience, forgiveness, and compassion. Their virtuous conduct is consistent and evident in all aspects of their lives.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of good deeds and virtuous conduct in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah says,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights that true righteousness is not limited to mere rituals or outward displays of piety. It encompasses belief in Allah and the principles of Islam, along with sincere acts of charity, fulfilling promises, and patience in times of difficulty. These actions are indicative of a person's commitment to righteousness and their dedication to following the teachings of Islam.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), where Allah says,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes that true guidance comes from Allah alone. Therefore, when the righteous people recognize and speak highly of someone, it is a sign that Allah has guided that person towards righteousness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for excellence in their actions and conduct. It encourages us to seek the recognition and approval of the righteous individuals who possess wisdom and piety. By doing so, we not only gain the admiration of others but also earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It motivates us to consistently engage in good deeds, knowing that our actions are being observed and acknowledged by those who are truly righteous.

Furthermore, this Hadith teaches us the importance of maintaining a positive reputation and character. It reminds us that our words, deeds, and conduct should align with the teachings of Islam. By embodying the qualities of righteousness, we become a source of inspiration and guidance for others. Our virtuous conduct can have a profound impact on society, leading others towards the path of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the criteria by which the good doers are recognized. It highlights the importance of the words spoken by righteous individuals, the good deeds performed, and the virtuous conduct displayed. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of righteousness and good deeds. As Muslims, we should strive to be recognized as good doers by embodying these qualities in our lives, seeking the approval of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the recognition of the righteous. May Allah guide us all to be among the righteous and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.