Hadith #2270

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of sincerity in our actions and the consequences of performing good deeds without seeking nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hasanah) "حَسَنَة" in the Hadith refers to a good deed or a righteous action. It encompasses any act that is in accordance with the teachings of Islam and brings about positive outcomes in this world and the Hereafter. It is important to note that the intention behind performing a good deed holds great significance.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of intention in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 18:110)

So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord - let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.

This verse highlights the need for sincerity in our actions, as associating partners with Allah in worship nullifies the goodness of our deeds.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that a good deed performed without seeking nearness to Allah has the ugliness of ostentation in it. The word (riya) "رِيَاءِ" refers to showing off or seeking recognition from others. When we perform good deeds solely for the purpose of gaining praise or admiration from people, our actions lose their sincerity and become tainted with hypocrisy.

Allah warns against the dangers of ostentation in Surah Al-Ma'un, where He says, (Quran 107:4-6)

So woe to those who pray [But] who are heedless of their prayer - Those who make show [of their deeds].

This verse serves as a reminder that our prayers and other acts of worship should be solely for the sake of Allah, without any desire for worldly recognition.

The Hadith also mentions that the fruit or consequence of performing a good deed without seeking nearness to Allah is an ugly requital. The word (jaza) "جَزَاءِ" refers to the recompense or outcome of our actions. When we perform good deeds with insincere intentions, we may receive temporary praise and recognition from people, but the true reward from Allah will be lost.

In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 25:23)

And We shall turn to whatever deeds they (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners) did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust.

This verse reminds us that the deeds performed without sincerity will hold no weight on the Day of Judgment and will be rendered insignificant.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of purifying our intentions and seeking nearness to Allah in all our actions. It is not enough to simply perform good deeds; we must ensure that our intentions are solely for the sake of Allah, seeking His pleasure and His reward. By doing so, our actions will be sincere, and we will be rewarded both in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to purify our intentions and perform all our actions with sincerity and devotion. May He accept our good deeds and grant us the ultimate reward of His pleasure and nearness. Ameen.