Hadith #3419

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

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

An evil [action] that does not last is better than a good [deed] that does not last.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the importance of consistency and longevity in our actions, whether they are good or evil.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (sharrun) "شَرٌّ" refers to an evil or harmful action, while (khayrun) "خَيْرٌ" signifies a good or virtuous deed. The word (la yadūm) "لايَدُومُ" means "does not last" or "is not enduring." Therefore, the Hadith emphasizes that an evil action, even if it is short-lived, is still preferable to a good action that lacks longevity.

To understand the wisdom behind this statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 18:45)

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse illustrates the transient nature of worldly life. Just as rain brings temporary growth to the earth, our actions in this world are also temporary. Some actions may appear good on the surface but lack the endurance to bring about lasting benefits. On the other hand, even if an evil action is short-lived, it may leave a lasting negative impact.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of enduring goodness is found in Surah Al-Asr. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (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 righteous deeds that are accompanied by sincere advice and patience. It implies that true goodness lies not only in performing good deeds but also in maintaining them consistently over time. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with this Quranic principle by highlighting the significance of lasting goodness.

Now, let us reflect on the practical implications of this Hadith. Imagine a person who performs a single act of charity but does not continue to engage in charitable acts afterward. While the initial act is commendable, its impact will be limited if it is not sustained. On the other hand, if a person refrains from committing an evil act, even if it was tempting, they have avoided potential harm and preserved their moral integrity.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for consistency in their actions. It encourages us to prioritize deeds that have lasting positive effects, even if they may seem small or insignificant. By doing so, we can cultivate a habit of righteousness and contribute to the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of enduring goodness and the potential harm of fleeting evil actions. It urges us to seek consistency in our deeds, ensuring that they have a lasting positive impact. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to engage in righteous actions that endure and bring about eternal rewards.