Hadith #4320

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,

بِرُّ الرَّجُلِ ذَوي رَحِمِهِ صَدَقَةٌ۔

This can be translated as,

The kindness of a person towards his near relatives is a [form of] charity.

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

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. (birr) "بِرُّ" refers to acts of righteousness, goodness, and kindness. It encompasses all virtuous actions that bring one closer to Allah. (dhawi rahmihi) "ذَوِي رَحِمِهِ" refers to one's near relatives, specifically those who are connected through blood ties, such as parents, siblings, children, and extended family members.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong family ties and treating our relatives with kindness and compassion. Allah says in Surah An-Nisa, verse 36:

Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.

This verse highlights the significance of treating our parents and relatives with kindness and goodness. It is a form of worship and a means to attain Allah's pleasure. By being kind to our relatives, we are fulfilling our duty towards them and fulfilling a form of charity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 23, Allah says,

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.

This verse emphasizes the importance of showing respect, love, and kindness to our parents, especially in their old age. It is a reminder that our duty towards our relatives extends beyond mere financial support. It encompasses treating them with dignity, respect, and compassion.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes that acts of kindness towards our relatives are a form of charity. Charity is not limited to giving money or material possessions; it encompasses any act of goodness and righteousness. By being kind to our relatives, we are not only fulfilling our duty towards them but also earning rewards from Allah.

The consequences of practicing this Hadith are profound. By maintaining strong family ties and treating our relatives with kindness, we create a harmonious and loving environment within our families. This, in turn, strengthens the bonds of love and unity, fostering a sense of belonging and support. It also sets a positive example for future generations, teaching them the importance of family values and compassion.

Moreover, practicing kindness towards our relatives extends beyond our immediate family. It includes reaching out to extended family members, supporting them in times of need, and fostering a sense of community. This creates a ripple effect of goodness and compassion, spreading love and unity within the Muslim ummah.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we realize that it is a reminder of the immense value of family and the importance of treating our relatives with kindness and compassion. It teaches us that acts of goodness towards our near relatives are not only a duty but also a means of attaining closeness to Allah and earning His rewards.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of kindness towards our near relatives as a form of charity. It reminds us to uphold strong family ties, treat our relatives with kindness and compassion, and create a loving and supportive environment within our families. By practicing this Hadith, we not only fulfill our duty towards our relatives but also earn rewards from Allah and contribute to the betterment of the Muslim ummah. May Allah guide us all to embody this beautiful teaching and strengthen our bonds of kinship.