Hadith #3414

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) serves as a profound reminder to all Muslims regarding the importance of taking initiative in performing good deeds and not underestimating our own capabilities. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, advises us against belittling ourselves and thinking that someone else is more deserving or capable of doing good deeds than us.

Let us delve into the important words from this Hadith. The word (ahlan) "أهْلاً" in Arabic refers to the adherents or the rightful people who are suitable for a particular action. In this context, it signifies that good and evil actions have their own rightful adherents or people who are inclined towards them. The word (kafakumuhu) "كَفاكُمُوهُ" means that the adherents of good or evil will take care of the action in your place when you abandon it.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:21),

Race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness from your Lord and Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His Messengers. That is the Grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He pleases. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving and competing in performing good deeds. It encourages Muslims to race with one another in hastening towards forgiveness and Paradise. Each individual has the potential to excel in their own unique way, and no one should underestimate their own capacity to do good. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed His grace upon all believers, and it is up to us to make the most of it.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:148), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And for everyone, there is a direction towards which he turns, so race towards all that is good. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you forth for judgment all together. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.

This verse highlights that every individual has their own unique direction and inclination towards good deeds. It is our responsibility to race towards all that is good and strive to fulfill our potential. We should not underestimate our own capabilities or compare ourselves to others, as each person has their own role to play in the pursuit of goodness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in the Hadith reminds us that if we neglect our duty to perform good deeds, there will always be others who will step up and fulfill that responsibility. It is not for us to determine who is more worthy or capable; rather, it is our duty to seize every opportunity to do good and contribute to the betterment of society.

For example, if we have the opportunity to help the needy or support a charitable cause, we should not hesitate or think that someone else will take care of it. By taking the initiative and fulfilling our duty, we not only benefit ourselves but also inspire others to follow suit. Our actions have a ripple effect, and by actively participating in acts of goodness, we contribute to the overall betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to never underestimate their own capabilities and to take initiative in performing good deeds. Each individual has their own unique role to play in the pursuit of goodness, and it is our duty to race towards all that is good. By doing so, we not only benefit ourselves but also inspire others to follow in our footsteps. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and motivation to actively engage in acts of goodness and contribute to the betterment of society.