Hadith #7687

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) states,

By righteous deeds, ranks are raised.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds in order to elevate one's spiritual status and attain higher ranks in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (a'mal) "أعْمالِ" refers to righteous deeds or actions that are performed with sincerity and in accordance with the teachings of Islam. These actions can include acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, as well as acts of kindness, honesty, and justice in our interactions with others.

The word (salihaat) "صَّالِحاتِ" is the plural form of the word (saliha) "صَّالِحَة", which means righteous or good deeds. These are actions that are in line with the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). They are performed with the intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah and benefiting oneself and others.

The phrase (turfa'u al-darajaat) "تُرْفَعُ الدَّرَجاتُ" translates to "ranks are raised." This indicates that through the performance of righteous deeds, one's spiritual status and position in the sight of Allah are elevated. It implies that the more good deeds a person engages in, the higher their rank and proximity to Allah will be.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteous deeds and their role in attaining higher ranks in the Hereafter. For example, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:102-103), Allah says:

And those whose scales are heavy [with good deeds] - it is they who are the successful. But those whose scales are light - those are the ones who have lost their souls, [being] in Hell, abiding eternally.

This Quranic verse highlights the significance of righteous deeds as a means of success and salvation. It emphasizes that those who accumulate a multitude of good deeds will be rewarded with success and eternal bliss, while those who neglect their obligations and engage in wrongdoing will face the consequences in the Hereafter.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah says:

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse reflects the desire of a believer to be granted a high rank in the sight of Allah and to be blessed with the ability to perform righteous deeds consistently throughout their life. It shows that the elevation of ranks is not only limited to the Hereafter but also encompasses the believer's journey in this world.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively engage in righteous deeds and strive for excellence in their actions. It encourages us to reflect upon our intentions and ensure that our deeds are performed solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can elevate our spiritual status, strengthen our connection with Allah, and ultimately attain success in this life and the Hereafter.

It is important to note that the concept of raising ranks through righteous deeds does not imply a competition among individuals. Rather, it is a personal journey of self-improvement and spiritual growth. Each individual is responsible for their own actions and will be rewarded accordingly by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of performing righteous deeds in order to elevate our ranks in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of good deeds as a means of attaining success and salvation. As Muslims, it is our duty to strive for excellence in our actions, seeking the pleasure of Allah and benefiting ourselves and others. May Allah grant us the ability to perform righteous deeds and raise our ranks in His sight.