Hadith #3395

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights three actions that are considered the best of good deeds in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These actions are: giving charity secretly, being dutiful to one's parents, and maintaining ties with relatives.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (sadaqah) "صَدَقَةُ" refers to charity or acts of giving. (as-sirr) "السِّرِّ" means secretly or in a concealed manner. (al-walidayn) "الوالِدَيْنِ" refers to one's parents, encompassing both the mother and the father. (silat ar-rahim) "صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ" means maintaining ties of kinship or keeping close relations with one's family members.

To understand the significance of these actions, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

Righteousness is not 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; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving charity to relatives, among others, as an act of righteousness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) specifically highlights the merit of giving charity secretly, which adds an element of sincerity and humility to the act. By doing so, one avoids seeking praise or recognition from others, and instead, seeks the pleasure of Allah alone.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the significance of being dutiful to parents. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 23, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.

This verse highlights the importance of showing kindness, respect, and obedience to parents. It is a duty upon every Muslim to honor and care for their parents, regardless of their age or circumstances. By fulfilling this duty, one not only earns the pleasure of Allah but also strengthens the family unit and fosters a harmonious society.

Lastly, maintaining ties with relatives is emphasized in various verses of the Quran. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 1, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women. And fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs. Indeed Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.

This verse highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of maintaining strong bonds with our relatives. By nurturing these relationships, we not only fulfill a religious obligation but also contribute to the well-being and unity of our communities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of these actions as the best of good deeds. Giving charity secretly ensures sincerity and humility in our acts of kindness. Being dutiful to parents strengthens the family unit and fosters a harmonious society. Maintaining ties with relatives promotes unity and a sense of belonging within the community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to incorporate these actions into our daily lives. By doing so, we can attain closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and contribute to the betterment of our families and communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform these actions with sincerity and excellence.