Hadith #2276

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أحْسِنْ تَسْتَرِقَّ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Do good and you shall enthral.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (ahsin) "أحْسِنْ" in this Hadith is derived from the root word (hasana) "حَسَنَ", which means to do good, to excel, or to be virtuous. It encompasses all acts of kindness, righteousness, and moral excellence. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of doing good in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195, Allah says,

And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

The word (tastariq) "تَسْتَرِقَّ" in this Hadith is derived from the root word (saraqa) "سَرَقَ", which means to captivate, to enchant, or to win over. It implies that by doing good, one can captivate the hearts and minds of others, gaining their admiration, respect, and love. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Quran in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 54, where Allah says,

Indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.

The exegesis of this Hadith can be further understood by reflecting upon various Quranic verses. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and support in order to perform good deeds consistently and with conviction.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2, Allah says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse emphasizes the importance of working together as Muslims to promote goodness and righteousness in society. By doing so, we can create an environment that is conducive to the growth and development of individuals and communities.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to strive for excellence in our actions and to do good in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we not only please Allah, but we also inspire and influence others positively. Our good deeds have the power to touch the hearts of those around us, leading them towards the path of righteousness and ultimately earning their admiration and respect.

When we consistently engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity, we become a source of inspiration for others. Our actions have the potential to transform lives, mend broken hearts, and bring about positive change in society. By doing good, we create a ripple effect that spreads far and wide, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those we encounter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His teachings and actions serve as a beacon of guidance for Muslims of all generations. Through this Hadith, he reminds us of the power of goodness and the influence it holds in captivating the hearts of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Do good and you shall enthral

urges us to strive for excellence in our actions and to consistently engage in acts of kindness, righteousness, and moral excellence. By doing so, we not only please Allah, but we also captivate the hearts and minds of others, earning their admiration and respect. Let us remember that our good deeds have the power to inspire, transform, and bring about positive change in the world. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to do good and to be a source of inspiration for others.