Hadith #3425

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.

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

لَيْسَ بِخَير مِنَ الخَيرِ إلاَّ ثَوابُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

There is nothing better than [a] good [deed] except its reward.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to strive for goodness in their actions.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (khayr) "خَير" refers to goodness, righteousness, or virtue. It encompasses all acts that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and beneficial to oneself and others. The word (thawabuhu) "ثَوابُهُ" means its reward or recompense. It signifies the divine compensation that awaits those who perform good deeds sincerely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The essence of this Hadith can be found in numerous verses of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and assures believers of their rewards. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 16:97)

Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do

This verse highlights that the reward for good deeds is not limited to the Hereafter but also encompasses a good life in this world. It demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the rewards that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon those who engage in acts of righteousness.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:25)

And give the good news to those who believe and do righteous deeds that for them will be gardens [in Paradise] beneath which rivers flow

This verse emphasizes the eternal and blissful rewards that await those who perform good deeds sincerely.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize performing good deeds and to focus on the rewards that come with them. It encourages believers to have a sincere intention and to strive for excellence in their actions, knowing that the rewards for their efforts are immeasurable.

This Hadith also highlights the concept of intention in Islam. It reminds us that the true value of a good deed lies not only in the action itself but also in the intention behind it. The intention to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to earn His rewards elevates the status of the deed and makes it more valuable in the sight of Allah.

Moreover, this Hadith emphasizes the importance of consistency in performing good deeds. It encourages Muslims to engage in acts of righteousness consistently, as the rewards for such deeds are continuous and everlasting. By consistently performing good deeds, Muslims can cultivate a virtuous lifestyle and strive for spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that there is nothing better than a good deed except its reward. It encourages Muslims to prioritize performing good deeds, to have sincere intentions, and to strive for excellence in their actions. By doing so, Muslims can attain the rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and lead a righteous and fulfilling life in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform good deeds and accept them from us.