Hadith #1667

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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,

لايَنْفَعُ اِجْتِهادٌ بِغَيرِ تَحْقيق۔

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the importance of not only making efforts but also achieving tangible results. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ijtihad) "اِجْتِهادٌ" in this Hadith refers to exerting one's utmost effort and striving to accomplish a goal. It signifies the act of putting in hard work, dedication, and perseverance. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that this effort is futile if it does not lead to (tahqiq) "تَحْقيق", which means realization or actualization.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of not only taking action but also achieving meaningful outcomes. In Surah Al-Asr, Allah says, (Quran 103:1-3)

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 ayah highlights the importance of not only believing but also engaging in righteous actions and encouraging one another towards truth and patience. It emphasizes the need for tangible results and the practical application of faith. Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 5:105)

O you who have believed, upon you is [responsibility for] yourselves. Those who have gone astray will not harm you when you have been guided. To Allah is your return all together; then He will inform you of what you used to do.

This verse reminds us that we are individually responsible for our own actions and that our efforts should lead us towards guidance and righteousness. It emphasizes the importance of achieving positive outcomes through our actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that mere exertion of effort without tangible results is of little value. It encourages Muslims to strive for excellence in all aspects of life, ensuring that their efforts are fruitful and beneficial. It urges us to reflect on the purpose and consequences of our actions, reminding us that true success lies in achieving meaningful outcomes.

For example, if someone spends hours studying for an exam but fails to grasp the material or perform well, their efforts have not led to the desired outcome. Similarly, if one engages in acts of worship without sincerity or understanding, their actions may lack the transformative impact they seek. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that it is not enough to go through the motions; we must strive for true understanding, growth, and positive change.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of knowledge and understanding in our endeavors. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his deep knowledge and wisdom. His statement emphasizes the need for knowledge to accompany our efforts, as it is through understanding that we can achieve meaningful results. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding, as it is a means to attain success and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for excellence and meaningful outcomes in all aspects of life. It emphasizes the importance of not only making efforts but also achieving tangible results. By reflecting on the purpose and consequences of our actions, we can ensure that our efforts are fruitful and beneficial. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to strive for true accomplishment in all our endeavors.