Hadith #2508

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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,

لاتَزْكُو إلاّ عِنْدَ الكِرامِ الصَّنايِعُ۔

This can be translated as,

Good turns do not thrive except with the honourable.

In this impactful saying , Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of performing good deeds and acts of kindness, emphasizing that these actions are most appreciated and valued when they are carried out by individuals of noble character and integrity.

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (tazku) "تَزْكُو" refers to the thriving or flourishing of good deeds, while (alkiram) "الكِرامِ" signifies the honorable or noble individuals. Lastly, (assanai'u) "الصَّنايِعُ" refers to acts of kindness or good turns.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and acts of kindness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:177)

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves

This verse highlights that true righteousness lies in performing acts of kindness and giving to those in need.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah says, (Quran 5:2)

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of collaborating with others in performing righteous deeds and acts of kindness, while refraining from engaging in sinful or aggressive behavior.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) complements these Quranic teachings by reminding us that the impact and value of our good deeds are enhanced when they are carried out by individuals of noble character. When acts of kindness are performed by those who possess integrity, sincerity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others, they have a far-reaching and lasting effect on society.

For example, imagine two individuals both perform the same act of charity. One does so with a pure intention, seeking only the pleasure of Allah, while the other does it for personal gain or recognition. Although the outward action may appear the same, the impact and reward of the act will differ greatly. The act performed by the individual with noble character will thrive and have a positive ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit and creating a virtuous cycle of goodness.

Conversely, if acts of kindness are carried out by individuals lacking integrity or sincerity, their impact may be limited or even counterproductive. For instance, if someone donates to a charitable cause but does so with ulterior motives or seeks to exploit the situation for personal gain, their actions may not yield the desired positive outcome. Instead, they may undermine the trust and integrity of the charitable endeavor, causing harm rather than benefit.

Therefore, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to not only engage in acts of kindness but also to cultivate noble character and integrity. By doing so, our good deeds will thrive and have a lasting impact on society, inspiring others to follow in our footsteps. It is through the combination of good actions and noble character that we can truly make a difference in the world and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that good turns and acts of kindness are most appreciated and valued when they are carried out by individuals of noble character. By aligning our actions with sincerity, integrity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others, we can ensure that our good deeds thrive and have a lasting impact on society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform good deeds with excellence and sincerity, and may He bless us with noble character and integrity.