Hadith #1532

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

Your cheerfulness is your first righteous act and your promise is your first gift.

Let us delve into the deep meanings of this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

First, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word "cheerfulness" is translated from the Arabic word (bashr) "بشر", which refers to a state of happiness, joy, and contentment. It is the opposite of sadness and despair. The word "righteous act" is translated from the Arabic word (bir) "بر", which encompasses acts of goodness, righteousness, and piety. The word "promise" is translated from the Arabic word (wa'd) "وعد", which refers to a commitment or assurance given to someone. And finally, the word "gift" is translated from the Arabic word (ata') "عطاء", which signifies an act of giving or bestowing something upon someone.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195:

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah and doing good deeds. It teaches us that acts of goodness and righteousness are highly valued by Allah. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that cheerfulness, which is a state of happiness and contentment, is the first step towards performing righteous acts. When we are cheerful, we are more inclined to engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity. Our positive attitude and joyful disposition can have a profound impact on our actions and interactions with others.

Furthermore, the Hadith highlights the significance of fulfilling promises. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra, verse 34:

And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our promises and commitments. It reminds us that our word holds great value and that we will be held accountable for the promises we make. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our promise is our first gift. When we honor our commitments and fulfill our promises, we not only demonstrate integrity and trustworthiness, but we also bring joy and happiness to others. Our words and actions have the power to uplift and inspire those around us.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us the importance of cultivating a positive mindset and fulfilling our obligations. By being cheerful, we are more likely to engage in acts of righteousness and kindness. By fulfilling our promises, we not only uphold our integrity but also bring happiness to others. These qualities are not only praised in Islam but are also valued in all aspects of life.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to embrace cheerfulness, perform righteous acts, and fulfill their promises. By doing so, we not only please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also bring joy and happiness to ourselves and those around us. Let us strive to embody these qualities in our daily lives and be a source of positivity and goodness in the world. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to fulfill our promises and spread cheerfulness.