Hadith #2556

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

المحسن من عم الناس بالإحسان

which translates to

The good doer person is one who is benevolent to all people.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of performing acts of kindness and goodness towards all individuals, regardless of their background, religion, or social status.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (al-muhsin) "المحسن" refers to a person who does good deeds and acts with excellence. It encompasses not only performing obligatory acts of worship but also going beyond them to engage in acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion towards others. (‘am) "عم" means to interact or deal with, indicating that the muhsin is actively engaging with people around them. Finally, (al-ihsan) "الإحسان" refers to acts of benevolence, excellence, and going above and beyond what is expected.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support and reinforce the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

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

This verse highlights the importance of performing acts of goodness and kindness, as it is something that is beloved to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) instructs the believers,

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.

This verse emphasizes the need to treat others with fairness and justice, regardless of their beliefs or actions towards us.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us that being a muhsin goes beyond fulfilling our religious obligations. It encompasses treating others with kindness, compassion, and fairness. The muhsin is someone who actively seeks opportunities to do good, whether it is by helping those in need, showing empathy towards others, or spreading positivity and love in their interactions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this quality throughout his life. His knowledge and understanding of Islam allowed him to embody the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). He was known for his generosity, justice, and compassion towards all people, regardless of their background. His famous saying,

People are of two types: they are either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity,

perfectly encapsulates his approach to treating others with kindness and respect.

The consequences of practicing the teachings of this Hadith are manifold. By being a muhsin, we not only fulfill our duty towards Allah but also contribute to the betterment of society. Our acts of kindness and benevolence have the power to inspire others and create a ripple effect of goodness. Moreover, being a muhsin helps us develop a strong and sincere connection with Allah, as we strive to emulate His attributes of mercy and compassion.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of embodying the qualities of a muhsin in our daily lives. It is not enough to simply perform acts of worship; we must also actively seek opportunities to do good and be kind to others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also contribute to the creation of a more compassionate and harmonious society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be true muhsin and may He bless us with the strength and guidance to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).