Hadith #2383

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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:

جُحُودُ الإحْسانِ يُوجِبُ الحِرْمانَ۔

This can be translated as:

Denying the benevolence [of others] leads to deprivation.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (juhūd) "جُحُودُ" refers to the act of denying or rejecting something. In this context, it signifies denying or rejecting the benevolence or kindness shown by others. The word (al-ihsān) "الإحْسانِ" refers to acts of goodness, kindness, and benevolence. It encompasses going beyond what is obligatory and showing excellence in one's actions towards others. Lastly, the word (al-ḥirman) "الحِرْمانَ" means deprivation or being deprived of blessings.

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 267:

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the blessings and goodness that Allah has bestowed upon us. It encourages us to spend from the good things we have earned and to avoid being stingy or denying the blessings that come our way. By acknowledging and showing gratitude for the benevolence of Allah, we open ourselves up to receiving more blessings and avoiding deprivation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 272, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Not upon you, [O Muhammad], is [responsibility for] their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever good you [believers] spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the countenance of Allah. And whatever you spend of good - it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.

This verse highlights the concept of selflessness and the importance of performing acts of goodness for the sake of Allah. When we deny or reject the benevolence of others, we not only harm ourselves by depriving ourselves of blessings, but we also miss out on the opportunity to seek the countenance of Allah and earn His pleasure.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that denying or rejecting the benevolence of others leads to deprivation. When we fail to appreciate the kindness and goodness shown to us by others, we create a barrier between ourselves and the blessings that Allah intends for us. This deprivation can manifest in various forms, such as a lack of support, missed opportunities, strained relationships, and a diminished sense of gratitude.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the acts of goodness and kindness that come our way. By doing so, we not only express gratitude to those who have shown us benevolence, but we also open ourselves up to receiving more blessings from Allah. When we embrace and reciprocate acts of kindness, we create a cycle of positivity and abundance in our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to appreciate and acknowledge the benevolence of others. By doing so, we avoid deprivation and open ourselves up to receiving the abundant blessings that Allah has in store for us. Let us strive to embody the spirit of gratitude and kindness, and may Allah guide us on the path of righteousness.