Hadith #2359

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,

إذا صُنِعَ إلَيْكَ مَعْرُوفٌ فَاذْكُرْ۔

This can be translated as,

When a good turn is done to you, recall it.

This short but impactful Hadith holds great wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their daily lives.

Let us begin by examining the key words in this Hadith. The word (suni'a) "صُنِعَ" refers to an act of kindness or goodness that is done towards someone. It encompasses any action that brings benefit, comfort, or assistance to another person. The word (ma'ruf) "مَعْرُوفٌ" refers to that which is recognized as good and virtuous according to Islamic teachings. It includes acts of charity, compassion, justice, and any other action that aligns with the values and principles of Islam. And finally, the word (fadhkur) "فَاذْكُرْ" means to remember, acknowledge, or express gratitude for the good that has been done.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, which provides us with guidance and examples of the importance of gratitude and remembrance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Ibrahim (14:7),

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

This ayah emphasizes the importance of gratitude and its direct link to receiving more blessings from Allah. When someone does a good deed for us, it is a manifestation of Allah's mercy and kindness towards us. By remembering and acknowledging these acts of goodness, we not only express gratitude to the person who did the good deed but also to Allah who facilitated it.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152),

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This ayah highlights the reciprocal nature of remembrance and gratitude. When we remember and express gratitude for the good that has been done to us, we are also reminded of Allah's countless blessings upon us. This remembrance strengthens our relationship with Allah and deepens our sense of gratitude.

Now, let us reflect on the connotation and implications of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. When someone does a good turn to us, it is easy to take it for granted or forget about it over time. However, Imam Ali reminds us to actively recall and remember these acts of kindness. By doing so, we not only show appreciation to the person who did the good deed but also cultivate a sense of gratitude and humility within ourselves.

Recalling the good that has been done to us has several benefits. Firstly, it allows us to recognize and appreciate the efforts and sacrifices made by others for our well-being. This recognition fosters a sense of empathy and compassion towards others, motivating us to reciprocate their kindness and extend it to others in need.

Secondly, remembering the good turns done to us serves as a reminder of Allah's blessings and favors upon us. It humbles us and reminds us of our dependence on Allah and the interconnectedness of the human family. This awareness encourages us to be grateful to Allah and to use the blessings we have received to benefit others.

Lastly, recalling the good that has been done to us helps us maintain healthy and positive relationships with others. When we acknowledge and express gratitude for the kindness shown to us, it strengthens the bond between individuals and fosters a sense of unity and harmony within the community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of remembering and acknowledging the good turns done to us. By actively recalling these acts of kindness, we express gratitude to both the person who did the good deed and to Allah who facilitated it. This practice cultivates empathy, humility, and gratitude within us, and strengthens our relationships with others and with Allah. May we always be mindful of the good that has been done to us and strive to reciprocate it in the best possible manner.