Hadith #2332

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, "المعروف أفضل المغانم" which translates to

Benevolent acts are the best booty.

This Hadith highlights the significance and rewards of performing acts of kindness and goodness towards others.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (al-ma'ruf) "المعروف" refers to acts of goodness, kindness, and righteousness. It encompasses all actions that are pleasing to Allah and beneficial to humanity. (afdal) "أفضل" means the best or the most superior. And (al-maghanim) "المغانم" refers to the spoils of war or the rewards that one gains.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah and performing acts of goodness. It encourages Muslims to be generous and selfless, for Allah loves those who do good. The rewards for such acts are abundant, both in this world and the Hereafter.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hadid (57:18), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.

This verse highlights the concept of giving in the way of Allah as a loan to Him. Allah promises to multiply the rewards for those who engage in acts of charity and goodness. The noble reward mentioned here is a reflection of the immense blessings and bounties that await those who engage in benevolent acts.

Now, let us reflect on the implications of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that acts of kindness and goodness are not only virtuous in themselves but also bring immense rewards. Just as the spoils of war were considered valuable in the past, the spoils of benevolent acts hold even greater value in the sight of Allah.

When we engage in acts of goodness, we not only benefit others but also purify our own souls. These acts can range from simple acts of charity, helping the needy, visiting the sick, or even offering a kind word to someone in distress. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the potential to bring about positive change in the world and earn us immense rewards from Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, is urging us to prioritize acts of goodness in our lives. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty towards our fellow human beings but also strengthen our relationship with Allah. Our actions should reflect the teachings of Islam, which emphasize compassion, mercy, and justice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that acts of benevolence and kindness are not only virtuous but also bring forth abundant rewards. By engaging in acts of goodness, we emulate the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Let us strive to make acts of kindness a part of our daily lives, for they hold immense value in the sight of Allah and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah guide us all to be among the doers of good and grant us the ability to perform acts of benevolence that bring us closer to Him.