Hadith #9907

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, and his noble companions.

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

ما كُدِّرَتِ الصَّنايِعُ بِمِثْلِ الاِمْتِنانِ۔

This can be translated as,

Nothing spoils good actions like putting [others under] obligation.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (sanai'a) "صَنَاعَة" in the Hadith refers to good actions or deeds. It encompasses all acts of worship, charity, kindness, and righteousness that a Muslim performs to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These actions are the building blocks of a righteous life and are highly valued in Islam.

The word (imtinan) "اِمْتِنان" in the Hadith refers to putting others under obligation or seeking gratitude from them. It implies expecting something in return for the good deeds one has done. This can manifest in various forms, such as seeking praise, recognition, or favors from others due to the good actions performed.

The Hadith highlights the detrimental impact of seeking gratitude or putting others under obligation for our good deeds. Islam teaches us to perform good actions solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to seek His pleasure alone. When we attach expectations to our good deeds, it diminishes their sincerity and purity. It taints the intention behind our actions and can lead to arrogance, pride, and a sense of entitlement.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:7),

If you disbelieve - indeed, Allah is free from need of you. And He does not approve for His servants disbelief. And if you are grateful, He approves it for you; and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you about what you used to do.

This verse emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not need our worship or good deeds. He is self-sufficient and independent of His creation. Our acts of worship and good deeds are solely for our own benefit and spiritual growth. Seeking gratitude or putting others under obligation for our actions goes against the essence of sincerity and humility that Islam promotes.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Insan (76:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, this is for you a reward, and your effort has been appreciated.

This verse reminds us that the reward for our good deeds is solely from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). He is the One who appreciates our efforts, and His approval is what truly matters.

When we perform good actions with the intention of seeking gratitude or putting others under obligation, we risk diluting the purity of our intentions. Our focus shifts from seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to seeking validation and approval from people. This can lead to hypocrisy and a loss of sincerity in our worship.

Moreover, seeking gratitude from others can also lead to disappointment and resentment. When our expectations are not met, we may feel unappreciated or undervalued, which can negatively impact our motivation to continue performing good deeds. Islam teaches us to rely solely on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to seek His pleasure in all our actions, without expecting anything in return from others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the detrimental consequences of seeking gratitude or putting others under obligation for our good deeds. It reminds us to purify our intentions and perform all acts of worship solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we preserve the sincerity and purity of our actions, and we attain the true spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that we seek as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to perform good deeds solely for His sake, and may He accept our efforts.