Hadith #2503

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لا مَنْقَبَةَ أفْضَلُ مِنَ الإحْسانِ۔

This can be translated into English as,

There is no virtue greater than benevolence.

In this thought-provoking saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the unparalleled significance of acts of kindness and goodness towards others.

To understand the depth and significance of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "Manqabah" refers to a virtue or merit, while "afdal" means greater or superior. "Ihsan" encompasses acts of kindness, benevolence, and excellence in one's actions towards others. It is the highest level of righteousness and moral conduct.

The importance of benevolence is highlighted in numerous verses of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the significance of spending in the way of Allah and doing good deeds, which are manifestations of benevolence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse encourages Muslims to cooperate in acts of righteousness and piety, which includes acts of benevolence towards others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes that there is no virtue or merit that surpasses the act of benevolence. This means that acts of kindness and goodness towards others hold the highest rank in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we engage in acts of benevolence, we are not only fulfilling our duty as Muslims but also embodying the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

Acts of benevolence have far-reaching consequences. They not only benefit the recipient but also have a positive impact on the doer. When we engage in acts of kindness, we develop a sense of empathy, compassion, and selflessness. These qualities are essential for fostering harmonious relationships within society and creating a sense of unity among Muslims.

Moreover, acts of benevolence have the power to inspire others. When people witness acts of kindness, it motivates them to follow suit and engage in similar acts. This creates a ripple effect, spreading goodness and positivity throughout the community. By embodying the virtue of benevolence, we become ambassadors of Islam, showcasing the beauty and compassion of our faith to the world.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded of the importance of incorporating acts of benevolence into our daily lives. Whether it is through simple acts of kindness, charitable giving, or offering support to those in need, we have the opportunity to embody the highest form of virtue. By doing so, we not only please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also contribute to the betterment of society and the strengthening of our Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that there is no virtue greater than benevolence. Through acts of kindness and goodness towards others, we embody the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. Let us strive to make benevolence a fundamental aspect of our lives, spreading love, compassion, and positivity wherever we go. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice benevolence and reap its countless rewards.