Hadith #1506

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,

مَنْ بَذَلَ بِرَّهُ إنْتَشَرَ ذِكْرُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever extends his righteousness, his renown spreads.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (badhala) "بَذَلَ" means to extend or give generously. It signifies going beyond the minimum requirements and offering acts of righteousness in abundance. The word (birrahu) "بِرَّهُ" refers to righteousness or acts of goodness. It encompasses all actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and beneficial to others. Lastly, the word (intashara) "إنْتَشَرَ" means to spread or become well-known. It signifies the impact and influence that one's acts of righteousness have on others.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of righteousness in Islam. It teaches us that true nobility lies not in our lineage or social status, but in our piety and good deeds. When a person extends their righteousness, they not only benefit themselves but also contribute to the betterment of society. Their acts of goodness become a means of spreading their reputation and influence, as people recognize and appreciate their virtuous character.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's support and guidance in all our endeavors. When a person extends their righteousness, they are seeking the support and approval of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They strive to enter and exit every situation with integrity and righteousness, relying on Allah's assistance.

The consequences of extending one's righteousness are far-reaching. Not only does it earn the individual a good reputation, but it also inspires others to follow their example. When people witness acts of righteousness, they are motivated to emulate them, leading to a positive ripple effect in society. This Hadith encourages Muslims to be proactive in spreading goodness and righteousness, knowing that their actions have the potential to impact and inspire others.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can draw inspiration from the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He was known for his immense knowledge, wisdom, and piety. His righteousness extended to all aspects of his life, from his interactions with people to his governance. Imam Ali's reputation for justice and compassion spread far and wide, earning him the respect and admiration of Muslims and non-Muslims alike. His example serves as a reminder for us to strive for excellence in our actions, knowing that our righteousness has the power to leave a lasting impact on others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of extending our righteousness and the positive consequences it brings. By going beyond the minimum requirements and offering acts of goodness generously, we not only benefit ourselves but also inspire and influence others. Let us strive to follow the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and become beacons of righteousness in our communities, spreading goodness and earning the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to extend our righteousness and make our actions a means of spreading goodness and guidance.