Hadith #2335

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "المعروفُ أشرفُ سيادة" which translates to

Benevolence is the most honourable authority.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance and superiority of performing acts of kindness and goodness towards others.

The word (ma'ruf) "معروف" in this Hadith refers to acts of goodness, kindness, and righteousness. It encompasses all actions that are considered morally upright and beneficial to society. It includes acts such as charity, helping the needy, showing compassion, and fulfilling one's responsibilities towards others. The word (ashraf) "أشرف" means the most noble, honorable, and superior. And (siyadah) "سيادة" refers to authority or leadership.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of benevolence and kindness in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah says,

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the east or the west, but righteousness is to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the angels, and the Book, and the Prophets, and to give wealth, however cherished, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, beggars, and to free the slaves.

This verse highlights the significance of acts of kindness and charity towards various categories of people. It emphasizes that true righteousness lies in believing in Allah and His teachings, and then manifesting that belief through acts of goodness and benevolence. This aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, which emphasizes the superiority of benevolence as a form of authority.

Another verse that supports the concept of benevolence is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), where Allah says,

Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and aggression.

This verse encourages Muslims to support and assist each other in acts of righteousness and goodness. It highlights the importance of cooperation and unity in performing acts of kindness and righteousness, while also warning against aiding in sinful and aggressive behavior.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that benevolence and acts of kindness hold a superior position in our lives. It teaches us that true authority and leadership are not based on power, wealth, or status, but rather on the ability to positively impact the lives of others. When we engage in acts of goodness, we become leaders in our communities, inspiring others to follow our example and creating a positive and compassionate society.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages Muslims to prioritize acts of benevolence in their daily lives. It reminds us that our actions and behaviors towards others should always be rooted in kindness, compassion, and righteousness. By embodying these qualities, we not only fulfill our duties as Muslims but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was a shining example of knowledge and benevolence. His wisdom and deep understanding of Islam allowed him to guide the Muslim community during his time as the Caliph. He was known for his fairness, justice, and compassion towards all individuals, regardless of their social status or background. His leadership was based on the principles of benevolence and righteousness, which earned him the respect and admiration of Muslims throughout history.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Benevolence is the most honourable authority

serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of performing acts of goodness and kindness towards others. It emphasizes that true leadership and authority lie in the ability to positively impact the lives of others and create a compassionate and just society. By following the teachings of the Quran and the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Muslims can strive to embody the qualities of benevolence and righteousness in their daily lives, thereby fulfilling their duties as believers and contributing to the betterment of society.