Hadith #2562

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The doer of good deeds does not stumble, and when he does stumble, he finds a support [to hold on to].

This thought-provoking saying highlights the importance of performing righteous actions and the divine assistance that accompanies those who strive to do good.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (sahib al-ma'ruf) "صاحِبُ المَعْرُوفِ" refers to the individual who consistently engages in acts of goodness and righteousness. This person is characterized by their commitment to fulfilling their obligations towards Allah and their fellow human beings. They strive to follow the teachings of Islam and embody the values of justice, compassion, and kindness.

The word (laya'thur) "لايَعْثُرُ" means that the doer of good deeds does not stumble or falter in their path of righteousness. They remain steadfast and resolute in their pursuit of goodness, despite the challenges and obstacles they may face. This steadfastness is a reflection of their strong faith and unwavering commitment to pleasing Allah.

However, it is important to acknowledge that even the most righteous individuals may stumble at times. The word (wa idha 'athara) "وَإِذَا عَثَرَ" signifies the occurrence of stumbling or making mistakes. This reminds us that as human beings, we are prone to errors and lapses in judgment. It is in these moments of weakness that the true character of the doer of good deeds is revealed.

The Hadith assures us that when the doer of good deeds stumbles, they will find a support to hold on to. This support can be understood as the divine assistance and guidance that Allah provides to those who sincerely seek His forgiveness and strive to rectify their mistakes. It is a manifestation of Allah's mercy and His recognition of the efforts made by His servants to improve themselves.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:54),

And that those who have been given knowledge may know that it is the truth from your Lord and [therefore] believe in it, and their hearts humbly submit to it. And indeed is Allah the Guide of those who have believed to a straight path.

This verse emphasizes the importance of knowledge and its role in guiding individuals towards the truth. The doer of good deeds, who is steadfast in their actions, is also characterized by their knowledge and understanding of Islam. Their knowledge serves as a guiding light, enabling them to navigate through the challenges of life and remain on the straight path.

Another verse that resonates with the Hadith is Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), where Allah says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reassures us that Allah is aware of our limitations and does not expect perfection from us. When we stumble or make mistakes, Allah provides us with the support and strength to overcome our shortcomings and continue our journey towards righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of consistently performing good deeds and remaining steadfast in our faith. It assures us that even when we stumble, Allah is there to provide us with the support we need to rise again. This Hadith encourages us to strive for excellence in our actions, knowing that Allah's mercy and guidance are always available to those who sincerely seek them. May Allah grant us the ability to be steadfast in our pursuit of goodness and may He be our support in times of difficulty.