Hadith #8426

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ قَلَّتْ فَضائِلُهُ ضَعُفَتْ وَسائِلُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One whose merits are few, his means are weak.

To understand the depth and significance of this statement, let us delve into the key words and concepts present in this Hadith.

Firstly, let us examine the word (fadā'iluhu) "فَضَائِلُهُ", which refers to the virtues, merits, or good deeds of an individual. These are the actions and qualities that elevate a person's status in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses acts of worship, kindness, charity, and all other righteous deeds that a person performs to seek the pleasure of Allah.

On the other hand, the word (wāsā'iluhu) "وَسَائِلُهُ" refers to the means or resources that one possesses. This includes material wealth, knowledge, skills, and opportunities that enable a person to achieve their goals and fulfill their needs.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting a profound truth in this Hadith. He is emphasizing the direct correlation between a person's virtues and their means. If an individual's merits are few, it implies that they have not exerted themselves in performing good deeds and seeking closeness to Allah. Consequently, their means or resources will be weakened, hindering their ability to navigate through the challenges of life.

This correlation between virtues and means can be understood through the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hajj (22:11),

And among the people is he who worships Allah on an edge. If he is touched by good, he is reassured by it; but if he is struck by trial, he turns on his face [to the other direction]. He has lost [this] world and the Hereafter. That is what is the manifest loss.

This verse highlights the consequences of having few merits and a weak connection with Allah. Such individuals are easily swayed by the trials of life and are unable to find solace in their faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that the material possessions and worldly means are temporary and fleeting. They do not hold true value in the sight of Allah. It is the virtues and good deeds that truly matter and have everlasting consequences.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize that it serves as a powerful motivation for us to strive for excellence in our actions and character. By increasing our merits and virtues, we strengthen our means and resources, both in this world and the Hereafter. Our connection with Allah becomes fortified, and we are better equipped to face the challenges and trials of life.

Conversely, neglecting our virtues and failing to prioritize our relationship with Allah will result in weakened means and resources. We will find ourselves struggling to overcome obstacles and achieve success, both in this life and the Hereafter.

Therefore, Muslims should take this Hadith to heart and strive to increase their merits and virtues. We should actively engage in acts of worship, seek knowledge, practice kindness and generosity, and uphold the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we will not only strengthen our means but also attain the pleasure and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to increase our merits and means.