Hadith #2477

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَا اسْتُرِقَّتِ الأعْناقُ بِمِثْلِ الإحْسانِ۔

This can be translated as,

Nothing enthrals people like doing [them] favours.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ihsan) "إحْسانِ" in this Hadith refers to acts of kindness, goodness, and excellence. It encompasses going above and beyond in treating others with compassion, generosity, and benevolence. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the captivating nature of such acts, indicating that they have a profound impact on people's hearts and minds.

This concept of ihsan is beautifully emphasized in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

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

This verse encourages Muslims to engage in acts of ihsan, as it is beloved to Allah. By doing good to others, we not only please our Creator but also leave a lasting impression on those around us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse highlights the importance of collaborating with others in acts of righteousness and goodness. When we extend our kindness and support to others, we create a positive and harmonious environment that benefits the entire community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that acts of ihsan have a captivating effect on people. When we treat others with kindness and go out of our way to help them, we touch their hearts and leave a lasting impression. This can lead to a ripple effect, inspiring them to reciprocate the same kindness to others.

For example, imagine a person who is going through a difficult time and is feeling overwhelmed. Suddenly, someone extends a helping hand, offering support and assistance. This act of ihsan not only provides immediate relief but also instills a sense of gratitude and appreciation in the person's heart. They are likely to remember this act of kindness and be inspired to pay it forward, creating a cycle of goodness and compassion.

Moreover, acts of ihsan have the power to transform relationships and foster unity within the Muslim community. When we treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs, we build bridges of understanding and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. This is beautifully exemplified in the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom. His ability to engage in dialogue and show kindness towards people from different backgrounds earned him the respect and admiration of both Shia and Sunni Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the captivating nature of acts of ihsan. By treating others with kindness and going above and beyond in our interactions, we leave a lasting impact on their hearts and minds. This concept is beautifully emphasized in the Quran, which encourages Muslims to engage in acts of goodness and righteousness. Let us strive to embody the spirit of ihsan in our daily lives, creating a positive and compassionate society that reflects the teachings of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform acts of ihsan and inspire others to do the same.