Hadith #1499

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

البِرُّ أعْجَلُ شَيْء مَثُوبَةً۔

This can be translated as,

Righteousness is the quickest in acquiring reward.

In this impactful saying , Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance and swiftness of receiving rewards for acts of righteousness.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The term (al-birr) "البِرُّ" refers to righteousness, piety, and acts of goodness. It encompasses all actions that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It includes acts of worship, kindness towards others, fulfilling obligations, and avoiding sins.

The word (a'jal) "أعْجَلُ" means quick or swift. It signifies the promptness with which the rewards for acts of righteousness are bestowed upon the doer. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is swift in rewarding those who strive to do good and please Him. This highlights the mercy and generosity of our Lord, who does not delay in granting His blessings.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 that those who engage in acts of righteousness will not only be rewarded in the Hereafter but will also experience a good and fulfilling life in this world. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to bless them with contentment, peace, and happiness.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Imran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:133)

And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.

This verse encourages believers to hasten towards seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and engaging in acts of righteousness. It promises a vast and magnificent paradise for those who are righteous and strive to please their Lord.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that righteousness is not only a means to attain rewards in the Hereafter but also a source of immediate blessings in this world. When we engage in acts of goodness, we experience a sense of fulfillment, inner peace, and tranquility. Our relationships with others become harmonious, and we become a source of positivity and inspiration for those around us.

Moreover, the rewards for acts of righteousness are not limited to material or worldly gains. They extend to the spiritual realm, where our souls find solace and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The more we strive to please Allah through acts of righteousness, the stronger our connection with Him becomes, and the greater our rewards in the Hereafter.

Therefore, as Muslims, we should strive to embody righteousness in all aspects of our lives. We should be mindful of our actions, intentions, and the impact they have on ourselves and others. By doing so, we not only secure rewards in the Hereafter but also experience the immediate blessings and tranquility that come with living a righteous life.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to engage in acts of righteousness and bless us with the swiftness of rewards in this world and the Hereafter. Ameen.