Hadith #2272

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

إتْباعُ الإحْسانِ بِالإحْسانِ مِنْ كَمالِ الجُودِ۔

This can be translated as,

Following up one favour with another favour is from the perfection of munificence.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the teachings of the Quran. Firstly, it is important to understand the key words in this Hadith. (Itba'u) "إتْباعُ" means to follow or pursue, (al-ihsan) "الإحْسانِ" refers to acts of kindness or excellence, and (al-jood) "الجُودِ" signifies generosity or munificence.

The concept of reciprocating kindness and goodness is emphasized in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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 highlights the importance of spending in the way of Allah and doing good deeds, which includes reciprocating kindness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the balance between seeking the rewards of the Hereafter and not neglecting the worldly responsibilities. It also highlights the importance of doing good, just as Allah has done good to us. This aligns with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, where he emphasizes the act of following up one favor with another favor.

The exegesis of this Hadith goes beyond mere reciprocation of favors. It delves into the realm of excellence and perfection. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that true perfection lies in going above and beyond in our acts of kindness and generosity. It is not merely about repaying a favor, but rather about surpassing it and continuously striving to do more good.

By following up one favor with another, we create a cycle of goodness and kindness that has far-reaching effects. It not only benefits the recipient of our kindness but also inspires others to engage in acts of goodness. This ripple effect spreads positivity and compassion within society, fostering a culture of generosity and selflessness.

Moreover, the act of following up one favor with another favor reflects a deep sense of gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is an acknowledgment of the blessings bestowed upon us and a recognition that we are merely vessels through which Allah's generosity flows. By reciprocating kindness, we express our gratitude to Allah and strive to emulate His attributes of benevolence and munificence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that following up one favor with another favor is not only a noble act but also a means to attain perfection in generosity. It is a reflection of our gratitude towards Allah and a way to spread goodness and kindness in society. Let us strive to embody this teaching in our daily lives as Muslims, seeking to excel in acts of kindness and generosity, and thereby contributing to the betterment of our communities and the world at large.