Hadith #2375

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Wasting benevolence is showing it to someone who does not comprehend [its value].

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of acts of kindness and ensuring that they are directed towards those who can truly appreciate and benefit from them.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word (tadhīu) "تَضْييعُ" means wasting or squandering, while (al-ma'rūfi) "المَعْرُوفِ" refers to acts of kindness or benevolence. The word (wadʿuhu) "وَضْعُهُ" means showing or presenting, and (fī ghayri ʿarūf) "في غَيْرِ عَرُوف" means to someone who does not comprehend or appreciate.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 267:

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse highlights the importance of spending from what is good and pure, rather than from what is defective or of lesser value. It encourages us to be mindful of the quality of our acts of kindness and to ensure that they are directed towards those who truly appreciate and benefit from them.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80:

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 reminds us to seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our actions, including acts of benevolence. We should strive to enter into acts of kindness with a firm intention and understanding, ensuring that they are directed towards those who will truly benefit from them.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that acts of kindness should not be wasted by showing them to those who do not comprehend their value. This implies that we should be mindful of the recipients of our benevolence and ensure that they are capable of appreciating and benefiting from it.

For example, if we possess knowledge or skills that can greatly benefit others, it is important to share them with individuals who are receptive and eager to learn. By doing so, we ensure that our efforts are not wasted and that our acts of kindness have a meaningful impact.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a reminder that our acts of benevolence should be directed towards those who are deserving and in need. It encourages us to be discerning in our choices and to prioritize those who will truly benefit from our help.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of recognizing the value of acts of kindness and ensuring that they are directed towards those who can truly appreciate and benefit from them. It reminds us to be discerning in our choices and to seek guidance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be mindful and wise in our acts of benevolence.