Hadith #7795

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of actions over mere words. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily you are more in need of honourable deeds than you are of eloquent words.

This enlightening saying highlights the significance of righteous actions and the necessity to prioritize them over eloquent speech.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (makarim) "مَكارِمِ" refers to honorable or virtuous deeds. It encompasses acts of kindness, generosity, justice, and all actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). On the other hand, (balaghah) "بَلاغَةِ" refers to eloquent or articulate words. It signifies the ability to express oneself effectively and persuasively.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of actions and righteous deeds. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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.

This verse emphasizes the significance of acts of charity and kindness towards others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 both belief and righteous deeds. It emphasizes that true success lies in combining faith with actions that are pleasing to Allah.

The exegesis of this Hadith highlights the superiority of honorable deeds over eloquent words. While eloquence in speech is commendable, it is the actions that truly reflect one's character and sincerity. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our focus should be on performing virtuous actions rather than merely speaking eloquently without substance.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their actions and strive for righteousness. It encourages us to embody the teachings of Islam through our conduct, interactions, and treatment of others. It reminds us that our actions have a far greater impact than our words alone. By prioritizing honorable deeds, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute positively to society and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of prioritizing honorable deeds over eloquent words. It reminds us that true righteousness lies in our actions and the impact we have on others. By embodying the teachings of Islam through our conduct, we can strive to become better individuals and contribute positively to society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to perform honorable deeds and grant us the ability to prioritize actions that are pleasing to Him.