Hadith #9166

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family (Ahl al-Bayt), and his companions.

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

مِنْ كَمالِ الكَرَمِ تَعْجيلُ المَثُوبَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

From the perfection of munificence is hastening [to give] reward.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (kamal) "كَمَال" refers to perfection or completeness. (al-karam) "الكَرَم" means munificence or generosity. (ta'jeel) "تَعْجِيل" signifies hastening or speeding up. And (al-mathuba) "المَثُوبَة" refers to reward or recompense.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 148:

So hasten to the good deeds. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you forth [for judgement] all together. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.

This verse emphasizes the importance of hastening towards good deeds. It encourages Muslims to be proactive in performing righteous actions and not to delay in seeking reward from Allah. By hastening to do good, we demonstrate our sincerity and eagerness to please Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 21, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.

This verse highlights the significance of hastening towards seeking forgiveness from Allah. It reminds us that forgiveness and the ultimate reward of Paradise are reserved for those who are quick to repent and seek Allah's mercy.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Imam teaches us that one of the aspects of perfection in generosity is to hasten in giving rewards. This means that when we have the means and opportunity to reward someone for their good deeds, we should not delay in doing so.

By promptly acknowledging and rewarding the efforts of others, we not only encourage and motivate them to continue their virtuous actions, but we also demonstrate our appreciation and gratitude. This fosters a sense of unity and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims.

Moreover, hastening to give rewards also reflects the knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He understood that timely recognition and appreciation have a profound impact on individuals, inspiring them to strive for excellence and righteousness.

In our daily lives, we can apply this teaching by promptly acknowledging and rewarding the good deeds of our family, friends, colleagues, and community members. Whether it is a simple word of appreciation, a kind gesture, or a material reward, our promptness in recognizing and rewarding virtuous actions can have a transformative effect on individuals and society as a whole.

Conversely, if we delay or neglect to reward others for their good deeds, we risk discouraging them and diminishing their enthusiasm to continue doing good. This can have negative consequences on the overall moral fabric of our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of hastening to give rewards as a manifestation of perfection in generosity. By promptly acknowledging and rewarding the good deeds of others, we not only inspire and motivate them, but we also contribute to the development of a virtuous and harmonious society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody this noble teaching in our lives.