Hadith #9669

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states that the true nature of a person, whether good or evil, and the purity or impurity of their origin, can be determined by their actions. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (yustadallu) "يُسْتَدَلُّ", which means to be inferred or deduced. It implies that one can draw conclusions about a person's true character and origin based on their actions. This emphasizes the significance of deeds as a reflection of one's inner self.

The next key word is (khayr) "خَيْرِ", which refers to goodness or righteousness. It encompasses all positive actions and qualities that align with the teachings of Islam. Conversely, the word (sharrih) "شَرِّهِ" denotes evil or wickedness, encompassing all actions and qualities that go against the principles of Islam.

The Hadith also mentions the (taharat aslihi wa khubthihi) "طَهارَةِ أصْلِهِ وخُبْثِهِ", which refers to the purity or impurity of one's origin. This implies that a person's innate nature, whether good or evil, is evident through their actions. It highlights the idea that our actions are a reflection of our true selves and the state of our hearts.

To further understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:179),

And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.

This verse emphasizes that actions are a reflection of the state of one's heart. Those who are destined for Hell are described as having hearts that do not understand, eyes that do not see, and ears that do not hear. Their actions are in line with their inner state of heedlessness and ignorance.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights that true guidance comes from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. It is He who knows the hearts and guides whom He wills. Therefore, the actions of individuals are a manifestation of Allah's guidance or their own deviation.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our actions are not merely superficial, but rather a reflection of our true selves. It serves as a motivation for us to strive for righteousness and to be mindful of our deeds. Our actions have consequences not only in this world but also in the hereafter.

By manifesting good deeds, we purify our souls and strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Conversely, engaging in evil deeds tarnishes our souls and distances us from the path of righteousness. It is through our actions that we reveal our true character and determine our ultimate destiny.

As Muslims, we should reflect upon this Hadith and strive to align our actions with the teachings of Islam. We should constantly evaluate our deeds and seek to purify our hearts, knowing that our actions are a reflection of our true selves. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to righteousness and grant us the ability to manifest good deeds that reflect the purity of our origin.