Hadith #2563

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, "كُلُّ مُحْسِن مُسْتَأنِسٌ۔" which translates to

Every good doer is affable.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (muhsin) "مُحْسِن" in this Hadith refers to someone who performs acts of goodness and righteousness. It encompasses not only the outward actions but also the inward intentions and sincerity. A muhsin is someone who strives to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of their life, seeking His pleasure and the betterment of humanity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing acts of goodness and righteousness, as it is beloved to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a reflection of our faith and a means to attain His pleasure.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 93, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

There shall be no blame upon those who have believed and done righteous deeds for what they have eaten [in the past] if they [now] fear Allah and believe and do righteous deeds, and then fear Allah and believe, and then fear Allah and do good; and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the continuous nature of performing good deeds and the importance of fearing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our actions. It emphasizes that the doers of good are beloved to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and will be rewarded for their efforts.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith reminds us that every muhsin, every person who strives to do good, is affable. This means that they are approachable, kind-hearted, and compassionate towards others. Their acts of goodness are not limited to their own benefit but extend to the well-being of those around them. They are a source of comfort and solace for others, spreading positivity and love in their interactions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this quality of being affable through his knowledge, wisdom, and benevolence. His profound understanding of the Quran and his ability to apply its teachings in his daily life made him a role model for all Muslims. He was known for his generosity, justice, and compassion towards the oppressed, regardless of their faith or background.

The consequences of embodying this Hadith are far-reaching. When Muslims strive to be muhsin, they contribute to the betterment of society and establish a harmonious environment. Their affability creates an atmosphere of love, understanding, and unity among people. It fosters a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, where individuals support and uplift one another in their pursuit of goodness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of being muhsin in all aspects of our lives. It is not enough to merely perform acts of worship but to also embody goodness and righteousness in our character and interactions. By doing so, we become agents of positive change, spreading the light of Islam and earning the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be affable muhsin and may He bless us with His mercy and guidance.