Hadith #7675

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

إنَّكُمْ مُجازَوْنَ بِأفْعالِكُمْ فَلاتَفْعَلَوا إلاّ بِرّاً۔

This can be translated as,

Verily you are requited for your actions, so do not do anything except good.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (mujazawna) "مُجازَوْنَ" comes from the root word (jaza') "جزاء", which means recompense or reward. It signifies that our actions will be met with appropriate consequences, either positive or negative. The word (af'alikum) "أفْعالِكُمْ" refers to our deeds or actions. And the word (birran) "بِرّاً" means goodness or righteousness.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Nahl (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 emphasizes the importance of performing righteous deeds and assures us that Allah will reward us accordingly. It aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, urging us to refrain from anything except good actions.

Another verse that complements this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is righteousness. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights the significance of righteousness as the best provision for our journey in this world. It reminds us that our actions should be guided by piety and consciousness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes this sentiment by urging us to only engage in good actions.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we realize that it carries profound implications for our lives as Muslims. It serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, both in this world and the Hereafter. Every action we take, whether big or small, will be accounted for and rewarded accordingly by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By adhering to the teachings of Islam and striving to do good, we not only earn rewards from Allah, but we also contribute to the betterment of society. Our good actions have a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow the path of righteousness and spreading positivity in the world.

Conversely, if we engage in negative actions or transgress the boundaries set by Allah, we will face the consequences of our choices. This Hadith serves as a powerful motivation to constantly evaluate our actions and ensure that they align with the principles of goodness and righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom. His words in this Hadith reflect his deep understanding of the Quranic teachings and his desire to guide Muslims towards a righteous path. As believers, we should strive to emulate his example and make conscious efforts to only engage in actions that are pleasing to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of our actions and their consequences. It urges us to refrain from anything except good, aligning with the Quranic teachings that emphasize righteousness and piety. Let us strive to live our lives in accordance with this impactful message, seeking Allah's pleasure and working towards a better world for ourselves and our fellow Muslims.