Hadith #2442

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنِ اصْطَنَعَ حُرّاً اِسْتَفادَ أجْراً۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who does good to a freeman gains a [great] reward.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining its key words. The word (istana'a) "اصْطَنَعَ" means to treat or deal with someone in a particular manner. In this context, it refers to the act of doing good to a freeman. The word (hurran) "حُرّاً" refers to a free person, someone who is not enslaved or under any form of bondage. And finally, the word (istafada) "اِسْتَفادَ" means to gain or obtain something beneficial.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and doing good deeds in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah says,

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse highlights the significance of giving wealth, including freeing slaves, as an act of righteousness. By doing good to a freeman, one is following the path of righteousness and fulfilling their duty towards their fellow human beings. Allah promises a great reward for those who engage in such acts of kindness and generosity.

Furthermore, in Surah Ad-Dahr (76:8-9), Allah states,

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse emphasizes the selflessness of those who give food to the needy, including the captive or the slave. They do so solely for the sake of Allah, seeking no reward or gratitude from the recipients. This exemplifies the spirit of doing good to a freeman, without expecting anything in return, and solely seeking the pleasure of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to treat all individuals, regardless of their social status, with kindness and compassion. By doing good to a freeman, we not only benefit them but also gain a great reward from Allah. This Hadith serves as a reminder that our actions towards others have consequences, both in this world and the hereafter.

When we treat a freeman with respect and kindness, we create a positive impact on their lives. Our actions can motivate them to do good in return, creating a ripple effect of goodness in society. Moreover, by treating others with dignity, we uphold the principles of justice and equality that Islam promotes.

On a deeper level, this Hadith also highlights the profound knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His words reflect his understanding of the teachings of the Quran and the importance of human relationships. Imam Ali's emphasis on doing good to a freeman reminds us that every individual, regardless of their social status, deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of doing good to a freeman and the rewards that come with it. By treating others with kindness and compassion, we not only benefit them but also earn the pleasure and reward of Allah. Let us strive to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) by treating all individuals with dignity, regardless of their social status. May Allah guide us to be kind and compassionate towards others and grant us the ability to do good deeds that bring us closer to Him.