Hadith #2277

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 phrase of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "أفْضِلْ تُقَدَّمْ۔" which translates to

Bestow goodness and you shall advance.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (afdil) "أفْضِلْ" means to bestow or give preference to something. It implies choosing the better option or taking the higher road. (tuqaddam) "تُقَدَّمْ" means to advance or move forward. It signifies progress and growth in various aspects of life.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of doing good deeds and seeking His pleasure. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 148, Allah says,

So race to [all that is] good.

This verse encourages Muslims to compete in performing righteous deeds and striving for excellence in all aspects of life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mulk, verse 7, Allah states,

And they who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will be returning to their Lord.

This verse highlights the importance of giving in charity and doing good deeds with a sincere and humble heart, acknowledging that we will ultimately return to Allah and be held accountable for our actions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully complements these Quranic teachings. It reminds us that by bestowing goodness upon others, we not only benefit them but also advance ourselves. When we choose to be kind, generous, and compassionate, we elevate our own character and increase our proximity to Allah.

Practically, this Hadith encourages us to engage in acts of kindness and service towards others. By helping those in need, supporting charitable causes, and spreading love and positivity, we not only make a positive impact on society but also enhance our own spiritual growth.

Moreover, the act of bestowing goodness can take various forms. It can be as simple as offering a smile, lending a helping hand, or speaking kind words. It can also involve larger acts of charity, such as donating to the poor, feeding the hungry, or supporting educational initiatives. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are immense.

By following the guidance of this Hadith, we can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. We become agents of positive change, spreading goodness and advancing ourselves in the process. Our actions become a reflection of our faith, and we embody the teachings of Islam in our daily lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Bestow goodness and you shall advance

serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims. It urges us to prioritize acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion in our interactions with others. By doing so, we not only benefit those around us but also elevate our own character and draw closer to Allah. May Allah guide us all to embody this Hadith in our lives and grant us the ability to bestow goodness upon others.