Hadith #2560

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he imparts wisdom and guidance to the Muslims. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the instruction to rush towards good whenever it is seen. The word used for "good" in Arabic is "al-khayr". It encompasses all that is virtuous, righteous, and beneficial. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us throughout the Quran to engage in acts of goodness and righteousness. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:195)

And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

By rushing towards good, we demonstrate our eagerness to please Allah and fulfill our purpose in life. It requires us to be proactive and seize opportunities to do good deeds. This includes acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and charity, as well as acts of kindness and compassion towards others. Allah promises great rewards for those who rush towards good, as mentioned in Surah Al-Imran, (3:15)

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds - for them are the Gardens of Pleasure.

The Hadith then advises us to distance ourselves from evil when it is seen. The word used for "evil" in Arabic is "ash-sharr". It refers to all that is sinful, harmful, and morally wrong. Allah repeatedly warns us in the Quran to stay away from evil and its temptations. For instance, in Surah Al-A'raf, Allah says, (17:32)

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

By distancing ourselves from evil, we protect ourselves from its negative consequences and safeguard our souls. It requires us to be vigilant and avoid situations that may lead us astray. This includes refraining from sins such as lying, backbiting, and cheating, as well as avoiding harmful habits and addictions. Allah promises His forgiveness and mercy for those who turn away from evil, as mentioned in Surah An-Nisa, (4:110)

And whoever does that has certainly wronged himself. And Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.

The Hadith further emphasizes the importance of acting obediently upon the commandments of Allah. This entails fulfilling our religious obligations and following the teachings of Islam. The Quran is replete with verses that emphasize the significance of obedience to Allah. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (4:59)

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.

By obeying Allah's commandments, we demonstrate our submission and devotion to Him. It requires us to study and understand the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in order to implement them in our lives. This includes acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage, as well as adhering to the moral and ethical principles of Islam. Allah promises His blessings and guidance for those who are obedient, as mentioned in Surah Al-Anfal, (8:20)

O you who have believed, obey Allah and His Messenger and do not turn from Him while you hear [His order].

The Hadith also encourages us to vie to acquire noble traits. The word used for "noble traits" in Arabic is "al-makarim". It refers to virtues and qualities that elevate our character and make us better individuals. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of cultivating noble traits. For instance, in Surah Al-Qasas, Allah says, (7:56)

And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.

By striving to acquire noble traits, we aim to embody the qualities of righteousness, kindness, patience, and generosity. This requires self-reflection, self-discipline, and continuous self-improvement. It includes showing compassion towards others, forgiving those who wrong us, and treating everyone with respect and dignity. Allah promises His mercy and reward for those who possess noble traits, as mentioned in Surah Al-Hujurat, (49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a comprehensive guide for Muslims in their journey towards righteousness and success. By rushing towards good, distancing ourselves from evil, acting obediently, and striving to acquire noble traits, we fulfill our purpose as servants of Allah and pave the way for our eternal success. May Allah grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives and make us among the righteous and successful.