Hadith #2415

Bismillah, All praise is due to Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate, and may His blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

في كُلِّ مَعْرُوف إحْسانٌ۔

This can be translated into English as,

In every [act of] benevolence there is kindness.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ma'ruf) "مَعْرُوف" refers to any act of goodness, virtue, or kindness that is recognized and accepted by society. It encompasses a wide range of actions, including acts of charity, helping others, showing compassion, and fulfilling one's responsibilities. The word (ihsan) "إحْسان" refers to acts of excellence, going above and beyond what is expected, and doing good with sincerity and perfection. It is the highest level of goodness and righteousness.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195,

And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing acts of goodness and kindness, as it pleases Allah and earns His love. It is a reminder to Muslims that every act of benevolence, no matter how small, is significant in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of performing acts of goodness towards various categories of people, including parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It emphasizes the significance of kindness and benevolence in Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further reinforces the teachings of the Quran by reminding Muslims that in every act of benevolence, there is kindness. This means that when we perform acts of goodness, we should do so with a genuine intention and a kind heart. Our actions should be driven by a desire to benefit others and bring happiness to their lives. Whether it is giving charity, helping someone in need, or simply offering a kind word, the underlying motive should always be kindness.

The consequences of practicing this Hadith are profound. When we engage in acts of benevolence with kindness, we not only benefit others but also purify our own souls. The act of kindness itself brings joy and contentment to our hearts, and it strengthens the bonds of love and compassion within the Muslim community. It creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit and spread kindness in their own lives. Ultimately, it leads to a society that is characterized by empathy, generosity, and harmony.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He was known for his immense knowledge, wisdom, and compassion. His actions and teachings exemplified the essence of this Hadith, as he consistently demonstrated kindness in every act of benevolence. His generosity towards the poor, his care for orphans and widows, and his fairness in administering justice are just a few examples of his embodiment of this principle.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that in every act of benevolence, there is kindness. It reminds us of the importance of performing acts of goodness with a sincere and kind heart, as this is what pleases Allah and earns His love. By embodying this principle in our lives, we can contribute to the betterment of society and cultivate a culture of kindness and compassion. May Allah guide us all to be people of benevolence and kindness, and may He grant us the ability to follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).