Hadith #9909

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 noble companions.

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

ما أَكْمَلَ المَعْرُوفَ مَنْ مَنَّ بِهِ۔

This can be translated as:

One who puts [others under] obligation with his good act has not perfected it.

Let us delve into the meaning of this beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ma'rufa) "مَعْرُوفَ" in this Hadith refers to acts of goodness, kindness, and righteousness. It encompasses all actions that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and are recognized as virtuous by society. These acts can include charity, helping others, showing compassion, and fulfilling one's responsibilities towards family, friends, and the wider community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that merely performing a good act is not sufficient for its perfection. The true perfection of a good act lies in not expecting anything in return or putting others under an obligation. This means that when we perform acts of kindness, we should do so purely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and without seeking any form of gratitude, recognition, or repayment from others.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds resonance in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan (76:9):

We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing acts of goodness solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), without any ulterior motives.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:272), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

It is not required of you to give them [the needy] all the treasures of the earth, nor would you be able to do so, even if you wished. But whoever is saved from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity in acts of charity and kindness. It reminds us that the true value of our good deeds lies in the purity of our intentions and the sincerity of our actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect on their intentions and motivations when performing acts of goodness. It encourages us to purify our hearts and detach ourselves from any desire for worldly recognition or reward. By doing so, we can attain a higher level of spiritual excellence and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, this Hadith teaches us the importance of selflessness and humility. When we perform acts of kindness without expecting anything in return, we free ourselves from the shackles of ego and pride. We learn to prioritize the well-being of others above our own desires and needs. This selflessness is beautifully exemplified in the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself, who was known for his unparalleled generosity, compassion, and humility.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the true perfection of a good act lies in performing it solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and without expecting anything in return. It emphasizes the importance of sincerity, selflessness, and humility in our actions. By internalizing this teaching and aligning our intentions with the teachings of the Quran, we can strive towards spiritual excellence and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perfect our acts of goodness and purify our intentions.