Hadith #2506

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

لاتَنْفَعُ الصَّنيعَةُ إلاّ في ذِي وَفاء وحَفيظَة۔

This can be translated as,

A good turn does not benefit except with one who possesses loyalty and self-restraint.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (sanīʿah) "صَّنيعَةُ" refers to a good deed or a favor done to someone. It encompasses acts of kindness, charity, and assistance. The word (dhī) "ذِي" means one who possesses or has. It signifies the importance of the recipient of the good deed. (wafā) "وَفاء" translates to loyalty, faithfulness, and fulfilling one's obligations. Lastly, (ḥafīẓah) "حَفيظَة" refers to self-restraint, control, and the ability to protect oneself from harm.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 16:97)

And whoever does good deeds, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will surely cause them to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do

This verse emphasizes that the benefit of good deeds is not limited to this worldly life but extends to the Hereafter. It highlights the importance of faith and belief in the acceptance and reward of good deeds.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 49:6)

O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful

This verse emphasizes the importance of self-restraint and caution when dealing with information or actions that may harm others. It encourages Muslims to verify the truth and avoid acting impulsively, which aligns with the concept of "حَفيظَة" mentioned in the Hadith.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that performing good deeds is not enough for them to be beneficial. The recipient of these deeds must possess two essential qualities: loyalty and self-restraint. Loyalty implies remaining faithful to the one who has done the good deed, acknowledging their kindness, and reciprocating it with gratitude and support. Self-restraint, on the other hand, refers to the ability to control one's actions, thoughts, and emotions, ensuring that the good deed is not wasted or misused.

For example, if someone helps another person financially, the one receiving the assistance must be loyal by acknowledging the favor, expressing gratitude, and using the resources wisely. They should not squander the help or take it for granted. Similarly, the recipient should exercise self-restraint by avoiding wasteful spending, making wise financial decisions, and not becoming dependent on others for their needs.

The consequences of disregarding loyalty and self-restraint in the context of good deeds can be detrimental. The good deed may lose its value, and the relationship between the doer and the recipient may be strained or severed. Moreover, the recipient may become ungrateful, entitled, or even exploit the kindness of others. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that the true benefit of good deeds lies in the character and attitude of the recipient.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that performing good deeds is not enough for them to be beneficial. The recipient of these deeds must possess loyalty and self-restraint. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of faith, belief, and responsible actions. Muslims should strive to be grateful, loyal, and self-restrained when receiving acts of kindness, ensuring that the true value and benefit of these deeds are realized. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and benefit from the good deeds we receive.