Hadith #1502

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,

خَيْرُ البِرِّ ما وَصَلَ إلَى الأحْرارِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

The best benefaction is that which reaches the free.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith in light of the Holy Quran. Firstly, let us understand the key words used in this Hadith. The word (bir) "بر" refers to acts of righteousness, goodness, and benefaction. It encompasses all deeds that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and beneficial to others. The word (wasala) "وَصَلَ" means to reach or arrive at. And the word (al-ahraar) "الأحْرارِ" refers to the free individuals, those who are not enslaved or oppressed.

To comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that true righteousness is not merely in performing rituals or outward displays of piety. Rather, it lies in sincere belief in Allah, His messengers, and the Day of Judgment, coupled with acts of kindness and generosity towards others. It encompasses giving wealth to those in need, including the freeing of slaves. This aligns with the concept of (the free) "الأحْرارِ" mentioned in the Hadith, as true benefaction is that which reaches those who are not oppressed or enslaved.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan, verse 8, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.

This verse highlights the importance of giving food to those in need, including the captives. It emphasizes the significance of providing sustenance and support to those who are deprived of their freedom. This aligns with the essence of the Hadith, as the best benefaction is that which reaches the free, including those who are captives seeking liberation.

Reflecting upon the Hadith, we can understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us the importance of performing acts of righteousness and benefaction that reach those who are free from oppression and bondage. It encourages us to extend our kindness and support to those who are in need of liberation, whether it be from physical, emotional, or spiritual constraints.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and this Hadith serves as a testament to his profound understanding of the Quranic teachings. It reminds us that true righteousness lies in benefiting others, especially those who are free and in need of our support. By following this guidance, we can strive to emulate the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfill our duty as Muslims to uplift and empower those who are oppressed and in need.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to practice the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Ameen.