Hadith #3415

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of accountability and divine justice. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (qaddamta) "قَدَّمْتَهُ" refers to the good deeds that one sends forth or presents to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It signifies the actions performed with sincerity and righteousness, which are aimed at pleasing Allah and seeking His pleasure. These deeds can include acts of worship, charity, kindness, and any other righteous actions that benefit oneself and others.

On the other hand, the word (irtakabta) "ارْتَكَبْتَهُ" refers to the evil actions or sins that one commits. It encompasses all acts that go against the teachings of Islam and harm oneself or others. These can include lying, backbiting, cheating, and any other sinful behavior that distances one from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the good deeds we perform are preserved with the One who does not diminish their reward. This emphasizes the infinite mercy and justice of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah, being the Most Generous, does not diminish the reward of any good deed, no matter how small it may seem. This is supported by the following Quranic verse:

(Surah Yusuf, 12:90)

Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.

This verse assures us that Allah will never diminish the reward of any good deed we perform. Even the smallest acts of kindness and righteousness are valued and rewarded by Allah.

On the other hand, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also reminds us that the evil actions we commit are preserved with the One who is not incapable of punishment. This highlights the fact that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is fully capable of punishing those who commit evil. This is in line with the following Quranic verse:

(Surah Ibrahim, 14:42)

And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror].

This verse serves as a reminder that Allah is fully aware of all our actions, including the evil ones. He delays the punishment for a specific time, giving people a chance to repent and seek forgiveness. However, it should not be mistaken as a sign of weakness or inability on the part of Allah. He is fully capable of punishing the wrongdoers in a manner that befits His justice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for righteousness and avoid evil. It reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we will be held accountable for them. It encourages us to be mindful of our deeds, ensuring that we send forth good actions and refrain from committing evil.

Moreover, this Hadith also instills a sense of hope and trust in the justice of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It assures us that Allah will never diminish the reward of our good deeds, no matter how small they may be. This should motivate us to continue performing acts of righteousness, knowing that our efforts are not in vain.

Similarly, it serves as a warning for those who engage in sinful behavior. It reminds them that their evil actions are being recorded and preserved by Allah, and that they will be held accountable for them. This should serve as a wake-up call for individuals to repent, seek forgiveness, and strive to rectify their actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of accountability and divine justice. It reminds Muslims that their good deeds are preserved and rewarded by Allah, while their evil actions are also recorded and will be met with punishment if not repented for. This Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for righteousness, seek forgiveness for their sins, and trust in the infinite justice of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us His mercy and forgiveness.