Hadith #2411

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises the Muslims to engage in acts of kindness and righteousness towards their relatives and neighbors. The Imam emphasizes the importance of these actions by stating that they have the power to prolong life and bring prosperity to the lands.

Let us delve into the key words of this hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (sanāyiʿi) "صَنايِعِ" refers to benevolent acts or good deeds. It encompasses any action that is done with the intention of benefiting others and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These acts can range from simple acts of kindness to more significant acts of charity and selflessness.

The term (ihsān) "إحْسانِ" is derived from the root word (hasana) "حَسَنَ", which means to do good or to excel in goodness. It signifies going above and beyond in one's actions, doing them with excellence and sincerity. It is a concept that is emphasized throughout the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages believers to do good deeds with excellence and perfection.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then specifically mentions two groups of people towards whom Muslims should show kindness and righteousness: (dhawī al-raḥm) "ذَوِي الرَّحِمِ" and (al-jārān) "الجيرانِ". "ذَوِي الرَّحِمِ" refers to one's near relatives, including immediate family members and extended relatives. The term "الجيرانِ" refers to neighbors, those who live in close proximity to us.

The Imam highlights the significance of these two groups by stating that acts of kindness towards them have the power to prolong life and make the lands prosper. This statement is not merely a general observation, but it is rooted in the teachings of the Quran.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with relatives and being kind to neighbors. In Surah An-Nisa (4:36), Allah says,

Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side...

This verse clearly emphasizes the importance of doing good to relatives and neighbors.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah says,

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse highlights the importance of justice and fairness in our interactions with others, including our relatives and neighbors.

The motivation behind Imam Ali's advice is to foster strong and harmonious relationships within society. By performing acts of kindness towards our relatives, we strengthen the bonds of kinship and create a sense of unity and support within our families. Similarly, by being good neighbors, we contribute to the well-being and prosperity of our communities.

The consequences of following Imam Ali's advice are far-reaching. When we engage in acts of kindness and righteousness towards our relatives and neighbors, we not only benefit them but also ourselves. The Quran teaches us that our actions have a direct impact on our own lives and the world around us. By spreading goodness and positivity, we create an environment that is conducive to growth, harmony, and prosperity.

Reflecting on this hadith, we are reminded of the importance of embodying the values of kindness, compassion, and righteousness in our daily lives. It is through these actions that we can truly fulfill our purpose as Muslims and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform benevolent acts and do good to our relatives and neighbors, and may He bless us with a life of prosperity and longevity.