Hadith #2412

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,

عِنْدَ تَواتُرِ البِرِّ والإحْسانِ يُتَعَبَّدُ الحُرُّ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

By successive acts of kindness and benevolence, the free man is enslaved.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. (tawatur) "تَواتُرِ" refers to the continuity and repetition of acts of righteousness and goodness. It implies the consistent practice of virtuous deeds. (al-birr) "البِرِّ" encompasses acts of righteousness, piety, and moral excellence. It includes fulfilling one's obligations towards Allah and His creation. (al-ihsan) "الإحْسانِ" refers to acts of kindness, benevolence, and going above and beyond in one's actions.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 importance of spending in the way of Allah and performing acts of goodness. It highlights that Allah loves those who engage in acts of kindness and benevolence. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further expands on this concept by stating that through the continuous practice of such virtuous acts, even a free man can become enslaved.

The idea of a free man being enslaved may seem paradoxical, but it holds a profound lesson. When a person consistently engages in acts of kindness and benevolence, they become enslaved to the principles of righteousness and moral excellence. Their actions become a reflection of their inner character, and they are bound by the responsibility to continue doing good.

This Hadith serves as a reminder that true freedom lies in the voluntary submission to the will of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness. When one dedicates themselves to acts of kindness and benevolence, they become enslaved to the noble qualities that define them. They are no longer driven by selfish desires or worldly pursuits but are instead motivated by the desire to please Allah and serve His creation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the transformative power of continuous acts of goodness. By consistently practicing righteousness and kindness, individuals can elevate their souls and attain a higher level of spirituality. They become role models for others, inspiring them to follow the path of righteousness and ultimately leading to a society built on compassion, justice, and love.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of continuously engaging in acts of kindness and benevolence. It reminds us that true freedom lies in the voluntary submission to the principles of righteousness and moral excellence. By consistently practicing goodness, individuals become enslaved to the noble qualities that define them, and their actions become a reflection of their inner character. May Allah guide us all to be among those who continuously strive to do good and attain true freedom.