Hadith #152

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنْ قَضَى حَقَّ مَنْ لاَ يَقْضِي حَقَّهُ فَقَدْ عَبَدَهُ۔

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the rights of others, even when they fail to fulfill our rights in return. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (right) "حَقَّ" and (worships him) "عَبَدَهُ". The word "حَقَّ" refers to the rights and entitlements that individuals have over one another, whether they be social, financial, or moral. It encompasses the obligations and responsibilities that we owe to one another as Muslims. The word "عَبَدَهُ" signifies the act of worship, which is the ultimate submission and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of fulfilling the rights of others, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83):

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling the rights of various individuals, including parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It emphasizes the significance of treating others with kindness, speaking good words, and fulfilling our obligations towards them. By doing so, we are not only fulfilling their rights but also worshipping Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the truest sense.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24):

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. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'

These verses emphasize the importance of honoring and respecting our parents, even in old age. It teaches us to speak to them kindly and to treat them with utmost respect and humility. By fulfilling their rights, we are not only worshipping Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also seeking His mercy and blessings.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Imam reminds us that fulfilling the rights of others, even when they fail to fulfill our rights, is a form of worship. It demonstrates our commitment to the principles of justice, compassion, and selflessness that Islam teaches us. It is easy to withhold our kindness and generosity when others do not reciprocate, but true worship lies in going beyond our own self-interests and treating others with fairness and respect.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a motivation for us to rise above our ego and to prioritize the well-being and rights of others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also contribute to the establishment of a just and harmonious society. Our actions have consequences that extend beyond this world, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rewards those who strive to fulfill the rights of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of fulfilling the rights of others, even when they fail to fulfill our rights. By doing so, we are not only fulfilling our obligations as Muslims but also worshipping Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the truest sense. Let us strive to embody the teachings of Islam by treating others with kindness, fairness, and respect, regardless of their actions towards us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in fulfilling the rights of others and grant us the ability to worship Him through our actions.