Hadith #7724

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

عَلَيْكَ بِصالِحِ العَمَلِ فَإنَّهُ الزّادُ إلَى الجَنَّةِ۔

This can be translated as,

You must undertake righteous actions for indeed it is the provision that leads to Paradise.

In this thought-provoking saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of engaging in righteous deeds. To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words.

The word (salih) "صالِحِ" refers to actions that are morally upright, virtuous, and in accordance with the teachings of Islam. These actions are not only beneficial for an individual's spiritual growth but also have a positive impact on society as a whole. They include acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, as well as acts of kindness, justice, and compassion towards others.

The word (al-'amal) "العَمَلِ" refers to actions or deeds. It encompasses both physical and spiritual actions, emphasizing the importance of not only performing acts of worship but also implementing the teachings of Islam in our daily lives. It reminds us that our actions should be aligned with our beliefs and should reflect the values and principles of Islam.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that these righteous actions are (the provision that leads to Paradise) "الزّادُ إلَى الجَنَّةِ". This phrase highlights the significance of righteous deeds as a means to attain eternal bliss and salvation. Just as provisions are essential for a journey, righteous actions are essential for our journey towards the Hereafter. They serve as a means of sustenance and nourishment for our souls, guiding us towards the ultimate destination of Paradise.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteous actions and their role in attaining Paradise. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:82), Allah says,

But those who believe and do righteous deeds - those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:107), Allah states,

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - they will have the Gardens of Paradise as a lodging.

These verses highlight the inseparable connection between faith and righteous actions. It is not enough to merely believe; one must also translate that belief into action. Righteous deeds are the manifestation of true faith and serve as a means of attaining the eternal blessings of Paradise.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for all Muslims to actively engage in righteous actions. It motivates us to strive for excellence in our worship, character, and interactions with others. By undertaking righteous actions, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of society.

The consequences of neglecting righteous actions are grave. Failing to engage in virtuous deeds can lead to spiritual stagnation, distance from Allah, and a loss of the opportunity to attain Paradise. Therefore, it is imperative for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and constantly strive to improve themselves.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of undertaking righteous actions as a means to attain Paradise. It reminds us that our actions should be aligned with the teachings of Islam and should reflect our faith. By engaging in virtuous deeds, we not only nourish our souls but also contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to consistently engage in righteous actions and may He bless us with the provision that leads to Paradise.