Hadith #2294

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

أحْسَنُ الصَّنايِعِ ما وافَقَ الشَّرايِعَ۔

This can be translated as,

The best favours are those that correspond with divinely ordained laws.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ahsanu) "أحْسَنُ" means "the best" or "the most excellent." It signifies the highest level of goodness and perfection. The term (sanaa'i) "الصَّنايِعِ" refers to "favours" or "deeds." It encompasses all actions, whether physical or spiritual, that are performed by individuals. Lastly, (sharaa'i) "الشَّرايِعَ" refers to the "divinely ordained laws" or the Islamic legal framework that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has prescribed for humanity.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177,

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East or the West, but righteous is he who believes in Allah and the Last Day and the angels and the Book and the Prophets, and gives his wealth, for love of Him, to kinsfolk and to orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and to those who ask, and to set slaves free.

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds that are in accordance with the divine laws. It highlights that true righteousness lies in faith, belief in the pillars of Islam, and acts of charity and kindness towards others. These actions are aligned with the shariah, the divinely ordained laws, and are therefore considered the best and most excellent.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 48, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth.

This verse emphasizes the importance of adhering to the divine laws and using them as a criterion for judgment. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was instructed to judge between people based on what Allah has revealed, rather than following their personal desires or inclinations. This further reinforces the idea that the best actions are those that are in accordance with the shariah.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that the best and most excellent deeds are those that align with the divinely ordained laws. This means that any action, no matter how seemingly virtuous or well-intentioned, must be evaluated in light of the shariah.

For example, if someone were to perform an act of charity by giving money to the poor, but that money was obtained through unlawful means, such as theft or bribery, then the act loses its excellence. It is not enough to simply perform good deeds; they must also be in accordance with the laws and principles set forth by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By adhering to the shariah, we ensure that our actions are guided by divine wisdom and are in line with the ultimate purpose of our existence. This obedience to the divine laws brings about numerous benefits, both in this world and in the Hereafter. It leads to the establishment of justice, the preservation of societal harmony, and the attainment of spiritual growth.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's enlightening Hadith reminds us that the best favours and deeds are those that align with the divinely ordained laws. This Hadith emphasizes the importance of adhering to the shariah and evaluating our actions in light of its principles. By doing so, we ensure that our deeds are not only virtuous but also in accordance with the wisdom and guidance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to act in accordance with His laws, and may He accept our efforts and make them a means of drawing closer to Him.