Hadith #2430

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ أنْعَمَ قَضى حَقَّ السِّيادَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

One who bestows favours fulfils the right of authority.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (an'am) "أنعم" in this Hadith refers to someone who bestows blessings, favors, or acts of kindness upon others. It signifies an individual who selflessly gives and benefits others without expecting anything in return. The word (qada) "قضى" means to fulfill or complete, while (haqq al-siyadah) "حقَّ السِّيادَةِ" refers to the right of authority or leadership.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of bestowing favors and blessings upon others. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking sustenance and blessings from Allah, which can then be shared with others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Balad, verse 20-21, Allah states,

And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is? (It is) the setting free of a slave.

This verse highlights the significance of freeing slaves, which is an act of bestowing favor and fulfilling the rights of others. It demonstrates that fulfilling the rights of others is not limited to material blessings but also extends to acts of justice and compassion.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the connection between bestowing favors and fulfilling the right of authority. When a person is in a position of authority, whether it be as a leader, a parent, or a teacher, they have a responsibility to act with kindness, justice, and compassion towards those under their authority. By bestowing favors upon others, they fulfill this responsibility and establish a just and harmonious environment.

For example, a leader who bestows favors upon their subordinates by providing them with fair wages, opportunities for growth, and a supportive work environment fulfills the right of authority. This creates a sense of loyalty, trust, and respect among the employees, ultimately leading to a more productive and harmonious workplace.

Similarly, a parent who bestows favors upon their children by providing them with love, care, and guidance fulfills the right of authority. This fosters a strong bond between parent and child, creating a nurturing and supportive family environment.

On the other hand, when a person in authority neglects their responsibility to bestow favors and fulfill the rights of those under their authority, it can lead to resentment, injustice, and a breakdown of trust. This can have severe consequences, both in personal relationships and in society as a whole.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the importance of bestowing favors and fulfilling the right of authority. It reminds us that those in positions of authority have a responsibility to act with kindness, justice, and compassion towards those under their care. By doing so, they establish an environment of harmony, trust, and productivity. May we all strive to fulfill the right of authority and bestow favors upon others, following the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).