Hadith #2401

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:

صَنايِعُ المَعْرُوفِ تَقي مَصارِعَ الهَوانِ۔

This can be translated as

Performing benevolent actions protects one from falling into disgrace.

Let us delve into the meanings of some important words in this Hadith. The word (sanāyiʿu) "صَنايِعُ" refers to acts or deeds, while (al-maʿrūfi) "المَعْرُوفِ" means that which is recognized as good or virtuous. (taqi) "تَقي" means to protect or guard, and (maṣāriʿa) "مَصارِعَ" refers to the places or situations where disgrace or humiliation can occur. Finally, (al-hawāni) "الهَوانِ" signifies disgrace or humiliation itself.

To understand the significance 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 performing good deeds and spending in the way of Allah. It highlights that by engaging in acts of kindness and benevolence, we protect ourselves from self-destruction and falling into disgrace. When we spend our wealth, time, or efforts for the sake of Allah and for the betterment of others, we shield ourselves from the negative consequences of our own actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of cooperating in righteousness and piety. By engaging in acts of kindness and benevolence, we not only protect ourselves from disgrace but also contribute to the well-being of society. When we cooperate in doing good, we create an environment of righteousness and piety, which shields us from sin and aggression.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to actively engage in acts of benevolence and virtue. By doing so, we not only protect ourselves from disgrace but also contribute to the betterment of society. When we perform acts of kindness, such as helping the needy, supporting the oppressed, or spreading knowledge, we create a positive impact that has far-reaching consequences.

For example, when we help the needy, we not only alleviate their suffering but also strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and compassion within the Muslim community. When we support the oppressed, we stand up for justice and uphold the values of Islam. When we spread knowledge, we empower individuals and enable them to make informed decisions.

Conversely, neglecting to perform benevolent actions can lead to disgrace and humiliation. When we turn a blind eye to the suffering of others, engage in selfishness, or promote injustice, we risk tarnishing our own reputation and falling into disgrace. Our actions have consequences, and by neglecting to do good, we expose ourselves to the negative outcomes of our own choices.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of performing benevolent actions. By engaging in acts of kindness and virtue, we protect ourselves from disgrace and contribute to the betterment of society. Let us strive to embody the teachings of Islam by actively engaging in acts of goodness and righteousness, for it is through these actions that we can truly protect ourselves and others from falling into disgrace. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to perform acts of benevolence.