Hadith #6026

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of perseverance in performing acts of obedience, hastening towards righteous deeds, avoiding evil acts, and refraining from committing forbidden actions. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Devote yourself assiduously to obedience and rush towards performing righteous deeds.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to be steadfast in their obedience to Allah and to strive eagerly in performing acts of righteousness. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah encourages believers to be consistent in their acts of worship and to compete with one another in performing good deeds. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 148 (interpretation of the meaning):

So race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together. And He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.

This verse highlights the importance of hastening towards good deeds and competing in righteousness. It emphasizes that our ultimate return is to Allah, and He will judge us based on our actions. Therefore, Muslims should strive to excel in performing good deeds and race towards acts that bring them closer to Allah.

The second part of the Hadith advises,

Keep away from evil acts and make haste towards good acts.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the need to distance ourselves from evil deeds and to hasten towards performing good deeds. This echoes the teachings of the Quran, where Allah repeatedly warns against engaging in sinful actions and encourages believers to strive for righteousness. Allah says in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 157 (interpretation of the meaning):

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the role of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in guiding the believers towards what is right and forbidding what is wrong. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding evil and embracing goodness. Muslims are encouraged to follow the example of the Prophet (ﷺ) and strive to distance themselves from sinful actions.

The final part of the Hadith states,

Keep away from doing what is forbidden.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises Muslims to refrain from committing forbidden actions. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah explicitly prohibits certain actions and warns against their consequences. Allah says in Surah Al-An'am, verse 120 (interpretation of the meaning):

And leave what is apparent of sin and what is concealed thereof. Indeed, those who earn [blame for] sin will be recompensed for that which they used to commit.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding both obvious and hidden sins. It reminds Muslims that they will be held accountable for their actions, whether they are done openly or in secret. Therefore, it is crucial for believers to stay away from prohibited actions and strive to lead a life in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be dedicated to acts of obedience, hasten towards performing righteous deeds, avoid evil acts, and refrain from committing forbidden actions. It highlights the importance of consistency, eagerness, and self-discipline in our journey towards pleasing Allah. By following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can strive to embody the qualities mentioned in this Hadith and lead a life that is pleasing to Allah. May Allah grant us the strength and guidance to adhere to these teachings and attain success in this life and the Hereafter.