Hadith #2275

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

If a righteous act is not nurtured, it wears away, just like worn out garments and dilapidated buildings.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the importance of consistently nurturing and maintaining our righteous deeds in order to preserve their value and effectiveness.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (sanīʿah) "صَنِيعَةُ" refers to a righteous act or a good deed. It encompasses all acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, charity, and acts of kindness. The term (turabba) "تُرَبَّ" means to nurture, cultivate, or take care of something. It implies that just as we need to nurture plants to ensure their growth and well-being, we must also nurture our righteous acts to maintain their vitality and impact.

To further comprehend the significance of nurturing our righteous acts, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety).

This verse emphasizes the importance of nurturing our piety, which is the foundation of all righteous acts. By constantly striving to increase our level of piety, we ensure the preservation and growth of our good deeds.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:16), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Has the time not come for those who have believed that their hearts should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allah and what has come down of the truth?

This verse highlights the need for consistent remembrance of Allah and reflection upon His guidance. By nurturing our connection with Allah through remembrance and reflection, we strengthen our righteous acts and prevent them from diminishing in value.

Now, let us reflect on the consequences of neglecting to nurture our righteous acts. Just as worn-out garments lose their beauty and functionality, and dilapidated buildings crumble, our good deeds can also lose their impact and fade away if we do not take care of them. If we perform acts of worship without sincerity, consistency, and reflection, they may become mere rituals devoid of spiritual essence. Our prayers may become mechanical, our charity may become superficial, and our acts of kindness may lose their genuine compassion.

Moreover, neglecting to nurture our righteous acts can lead to spiritual stagnation and a decline in our relationship with Allah. When we do not actively cultivate our piety and maintain our good deeds, we risk becoming complacent and distant from the path of righteousness. This can result in a weakened connection with Allah and a loss of motivation to strive for excellence in our worship.

In light of this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of continuously nurturing our righteous acts. We must approach our worship with sincerity, consistency, and reflection, seeking to increase our piety and strengthen our connection with Allah. By doing so, we ensure that our good deeds remain vibrant, impactful, and pleasing to Allah.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and determination to nurture our righteous acts, and may He accept our efforts and bless us with His mercy and guidance.