Hadith #2420

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic phrase of the Hadith is

كَمْ مِنْ إنْسَانٍ اِسْتَعْبَدَهُ إحْسَانٌ۔

which translates to

How many a human being has been enslaved by benevolence!

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the power and impact of kindness and benevolence in our lives.

The word (human being) "إنسان" refers to all individuals, regardless of their background, race, or social status. It encompasses every person who has experienced the transformative effect of benevolence. The term (enslaved) "اِسْتَعْبَدَهُ" signifies the profound influence that benevolence can have on a person, to the extent that they become captivated by its beauty and are bound by its virtues.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East or the West, but righteous is the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the Prophets, and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving to those in need and freeing slaves as acts of righteousness. It highlights the significance of selflessness and compassion towards others. When we extend our benevolence to those who are less fortunate, we not only alleviate their suffering but also free ourselves from the chains of selfishness and materialism.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan, verse 8, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the righteous:

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse emphasizes the selflessness of the righteous, who give food to those in need, including the captive. The act of providing sustenance to the captive demonstrates the power of benevolence in breaking the chains of oppression and transforming lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that acts of kindness and benevolence have the potential to liberate not only those who receive them but also those who perform them. When we engage in acts of benevolence, we break free from the shackles of selfishness and materialism, and we become truly free in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By being enslaved by benevolence, we become more compassionate, empathetic, and selfless individuals. We develop a deep sense of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us and recognize the responsibility we have towards our fellow human beings. This enslavement to benevolence motivates us to actively seek opportunities to help others, to uplift the oppressed, and to work towards creating a more just and compassionate society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that true liberation lies in acts of kindness and benevolence. Let us strive to be enslaved by benevolence, to break free from the chains of selfishness, and to embrace the transformative power of compassion and selflessness in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the spirit of benevolence and to be a source of liberation for others.