Hadith #2528

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 pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أجَلُّ المَعْرُوفِ ما صُنِعَ إلى أهْلِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

The loftiest good turn is that which is done to those who deserve it.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ajallu) "أجَلُّ" in this Hadith refers to the loftiest or the most excellent. It signifies the highest level of goodness and righteousness. It implies that there are varying degrees of good deeds, and the one that is done to those who truly deserve it holds the utmost significance.

The term (ma'ruf) "مَعْرُوفِ" in this Hadith refers to acts of kindness, goodness, and righteousness. It encompasses all actions that are considered virtuous and praiseworthy in Islam. These acts can range from simple acts of charity and compassion to more significant acts of justice and fairness.

The phrase (ma suni'a) "ما صُنِعَ" in this Hadith means

that which is done.

It emphasizes the importance of action and implementation. It highlights that the loftiest good turn is not just a mere intention or thought, but it is an action that is carried out and manifested in the real world.

The phrase (ila ahlihi) "إلى أهْلِهِ" in this Hadith means

to those who deserve it.

It emphasizes the importance of directing our acts of kindness and goodness towards those who truly deserve it. It implies that the highest level of goodness is achieved when it is directed towards individuals who have earned it through their righteousness, need, or deserving status.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

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.

This verse highlights the importance of directing our acts of righteousness towards those who are in need, such as relatives, orphans, the needy, and travelers. It emphasizes that true righteousness is not limited to mere rituals or outward displays, but it encompasses acts of kindness and generosity towards those who are deserving.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse emphasizes the importance of cooperating in acts of righteousness and goodness. It encourages Muslims to come together and support one another in performing acts of kindness, charity, and justice. It highlights that the loftiest good turn is achieved when individuals join forces to do good and benefit those who deserve it.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand that the loftiest good turn is not only about the action itself but also about the intention behind it. It is about recognizing the deserving individuals and directing our acts of kindness and goodness towards them. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also contribute to the betterment of society and the establishment of justice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His words in this Hadith remind us of the importance of performing acts of kindness and goodness, not just for the sake of doing them, but for the sake of benefiting those who truly deserve it. May we all strive to emulate the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek the loftiest good turn in our actions.