Hadith #1514

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

مِنْ شِيَمِ الأبْرارِ حَمْلُ النُّفُوسِ عَلَى الإيثارِ۔

This can be translated as,

Urging the self towards altruism is from the qualities of the righteous.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their significance. The word (shiyam) "شِيَمِ" refers to the qualities or characteristics of a person. It signifies the essence of righteousness and virtuous behavior. (al-abrar) "الأبْرارِ" refers to the righteous individuals who consistently perform good deeds and strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). (haml) "حَمْلُ" means to carry or bear, and in this context, it implies the act of urging or motivating oneself. (an-nufus) "النُّفُوسِ" refers to the souls or inner selves of individuals. And finally, (al-i'thar) "الإيثارِ" means altruism or selflessness, where one prioritizes the needs and well-being of others above their own.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9),

And those who, before them, had homes [in Medina] and had adopted the faith, love those who emigrate to them, and find in their hearts no need for what they have been given, but prefer [the emigrants] over themselves, even though they are in privation.

This verse beautifully illustrates the concept of altruism, where the Ansar (the residents of Medina) selflessly welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Mecca) despite their own limited resources. They prioritized the needs of their fellow Muslims over their own comfort and well-being. This selflessness is a characteristic of the righteous, as mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Balad (90:11-16), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But he has not broken through the difficult pass. And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave. Or feeding on a day of severe hunger. An orphan of near relationship. Or a needy person in misery.

These verses emphasize the importance of helping those in need, whether it is by freeing slaves, feeding the hungry, supporting orphans, or assisting the needy. The righteous individuals are those who actively engage in acts of kindness and selflessness, urging themselves to prioritize the well-being of others.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that altruism is not merely a commendable act but a fundamental quality of the righteous. It involves going beyond the basic obligations of faith and actively seeking opportunities to serve and uplift others. By urging ourselves towards altruism, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also cultivate a sense of empathy, compassion, and selflessness within our hearts.

The consequences of embodying this quality are far-reaching. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community, fosters a spirit of unity and cooperation, and creates a society where the needs of the vulnerable are met. Furthermore, practicing altruism aligns with the teachings of Islam, as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions, who selflessly sacrificed their own comfort and resources for the sake of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of urging ourselves towards altruism, as it is a defining characteristic of the righteous. By prioritizing the needs of others and actively engaging in acts of kindness, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also cultivate a sense of empathy and compassion within ourselves. Let us strive to embody this quality and follow in the footsteps of the righteous individuals who came before us, for in doing so, we draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and contribute to the betterment of society.