Hadith #2489

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) emphasizes the importance of performing acts of kindness and goodness towards those who deserve it. The key phrase in this Hadith is (doing a good turn to those who deserve it)

وَضْعُ الصَّنيعَةِ في أهْلِها

The word (doing a good turn) "وَضْعُ" refers to performing acts of kindness, generosity, and benevolence towards others. It implies going beyond the basic requirements of justice and fulfilling the needs and desires of others. It is an act of selflessness and compassion, aimed at bringing happiness and relief to those who deserve it.

The word (those who deserve it) "الصَّنيعَةِ" refers to individuals who are righteous, deserving, and worthy of receiving acts of kindness. They are the ones who have displayed good character, piety, and righteousness in their actions and behavior. These are the people who have earned the right to be treated with kindness and goodness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that doing a good turn to those who deserve it has two profound effects. Firstly, it "subdues the enemy." This means that acts of kindness and goodness towards others have the power to soften the hearts of those who may have animosity or enmity towards us. By treating our enemies with kindness, we have the potential to change their hearts and turn them into friends.

This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Fussilat (41:34):

Repel evil with that which is better; then indeed, the one between whom and you there was enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.

Secondly, doing a good turn to those who deserve it

protects from falling into evil.

When we consistently perform acts of kindness and goodness towards others, we create a positive environment around us. This positive environment acts as a shield, protecting us from the temptations and influences of evil. It strengthens our resolve to stay on the path of righteousness and prevents us from engaging in sinful behavior.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of performing acts of kindness and goodness towards others. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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 treating others with kindness and goodness, including parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It emphasizes the significance of speaking good words and establishing prayer. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards others but also strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the power of performing acts of kindness and goodness towards those who deserve it. It teaches us that such actions have the ability to subdue our enemies and protect us from falling into evil. By following this guidance, we can create a positive impact on our relationships, society, and our own spiritual well-being. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice these teachings and benefit from their profound effects.