Hadith #9875

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, "الأعمال تستقيم بالعمال" which can be translated as

Works are [only] accomplished by the [right] workers.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their pursuit of righteous actions.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to better understand its meaning. The word (amal) "أعمال" refers to actions, deeds, or works. It encompasses all acts performed by individuals, whether they are physical, verbal, or even intentions. The word (tastaqīm) "تستقيم" is derived from the root (qīm) "قيم" which means to be upright, straight, or steadfast. It implies the state of being on the right path, following the correct course of action, and maintaining consistency in one's actions. Lastly, the word (amal) "عمال" refers to the workers or doers of the actions.

To further elucidate the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of righteous actions in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 25, Allah says,

And give good tidings to those who believe and do righteous deeds that they will have gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow.

This verse highlights the correlation between belief and righteous actions, indicating that true faith is manifested through good deeds.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 110, Allah states,

Whoever should hope for the meeting with Allah - indeed, the term decreed by Allah is coming. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing.

This verse reminds us that our actions should be driven by the hope and anticipation of meeting Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the ultimate goal of every believer. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with the pleasure of Allah and seeking His pleasure alone.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom contained within the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is known for his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam, and his words carry immense weight and guidance for Muslims. Through this Hadith, he reminds us that it is not enough to simply perform actions; rather, it is crucial to ensure that our actions are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and are performed with sincerity and devotion.

The Hadith emphasizes the importance of being the "right workers" in order to accomplish righteous works. This implies that our actions should be rooted in knowledge, guided by the principles of Islam, and performed with sincerity and excellence. It is not enough to merely engage in acts of worship or good deeds without understanding their significance or without striving for excellence in their performance.

For example, when we pray, it is not enough to mechanically go through the motions. We must strive to understand the meanings and significance of the words we recite, focus on the presence of Allah during our prayers, and strive to perfect our physical movements and inner devotion. Similarly, when giving charity, it is not enough to simply give without thought or intention. We must understand the importance of generosity, purify our intentions, and give with a sincere desire to help others and seek the pleasure of Allah.

The consequences of following the guidance of this Hadith are profound. By being the "right workers" and aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam, we can attain the pleasure of Allah, strengthen our faith, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. Our actions will become a means of drawing closer to Allah and attaining His mercy and blessings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of the quality and sincerity of their actions. It emphasizes the importance of being the "right workers" and aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we can attain the pleasure of Allah, strengthen our faith, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. May Allah guide us to be the right workers and grant us success in our pursuit of righteous actions.