Hadith #2418

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "قَدِّمْ إحْسانَكَ تَغْنَمْ۔" This can be translated as,

Send your good turn ahead [for the Hereafter] and you will benefit.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ihsanak) "إحْسانَكَ" refers to acts of goodness, kindness, and benevolence. It encompasses all forms of virtuous deeds that one performs for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (taghnam) "تَغْنَمْ" means to benefit, gain, or profit.

To comprehend the essence of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing acts of goodness and charity, as it not only benefits others but also brings immense rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:35), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed.

This verse encourages Muslims to seek ways to draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through acts of righteousness and devotion. By sending our good deeds ahead, we are striving to attain success in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to prioritize acts of goodness and kindness in our lives. When we perform acts of ihsan, we not only benefit others but also reap rewards in this world and the Hereafter. By sending our good turn ahead, we are investing in our eternal life and securing a prosperous future.

Let us reflect on the consequences of implementing this Hadith in our lives. When we consistently engage in acts of ihsan, we cultivate a virtuous character and become a source of positivity and inspiration for those around us. Our good deeds have a ripple effect, spreading goodness and compassion in society. Moreover, by prioritizing acts of ihsan, we align ourselves with the teachings of Islam and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His exhortation to send our good turn ahead serves as a reminder of the importance of utilizing our time and resources for acts of goodness. It encourages us to be proactive in seeking opportunities to benefit others and to prioritize the well-being of our fellow Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us to send our good turn ahead and reap the benefits in this world and the Hereafter. By engaging in acts of ihsan, we not only benefit others but also secure a prosperous future for ourselves. Let us strive to embody the spirit of this Hadith, following in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran, and become beacons of goodness and compassion in our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement this Hadith in our lives and bless us with success in both worlds.