Hadith #1486

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بادِرِ الخَيْرَ تَرْشُدْ۔" which translates to

Hasten towards good and you will be guided.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of actively seeking out and pursuing goodness in our lives.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. "بادِرِ" is derived from the root word "بدر" which means to hasten or to be quick. It implies a sense of urgency and promptness in our actions. "الخَيْرَ" refers to goodness, righteousness, and acts of virtue. And "تَرْشُدْ" means to be guided, to be led on the right path.

This Hadith is beautifully aligned with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of striving towards righteousness and actively seeking guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 148:

So hasten to good deeds as a competition.

This verse encourages Muslims to compete with one another in performing good deeds, highlighting the need for promptness and eagerness in pursuing righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Asr, Allah states, (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 verse emphasizes the importance of not only believing in Allah but also actively engaging in righteous deeds and encouraging one another towards truth and patience.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that simply believing in Islam is not enough; we must actively strive to do good deeds and seek guidance from Allah. By hastening towards good, we open ourselves to the guidance and blessings of Allah. This guidance can manifest in various ways, such as increased knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment.

When we actively seek goodness, we become more conscious of our actions and their consequences. We become more aware of the impact our choices have on ourselves and those around us. By hastening towards good, we develop a sense of purpose and direction in our lives. We are motivated to make positive changes and contribute to the betterment of society.

For example, if we strive to be honest in our dealings, we not only gain the trust and respect of others but also strengthen our own character. If we are prompt in fulfilling our obligations, we not only maintain our integrity but also create a sense of reliability and trustworthiness. By hastening towards acts of kindness and charity, we not only bring joy to others but also experience the fulfillment that comes from helping those in need.

Conversely, if we neglect to hasten towards good, we may find ourselves lost and misguided. We may become complacent and stagnant in our spiritual journey. Allah warns us in the Quran, (Quran 20:124)

And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a depressed life.

By neglecting to actively seek goodness, we deprive ourselves of the blessings and guidance that come with it.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to actively and eagerly pursue goodness in all aspects of their lives. By hastening towards good, we open ourselves to the guidance and blessings of Allah. This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of actively engaging in righteous deeds and seeking guidance from Allah. May Allah guide us all to hasten towards good and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.