Hadith #2326

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "المعروف قروض" which translates to

Benevolent acts are loans.

This concise statement holds deep wisdom and carries profound implications for our understanding of good deeds and their rewards.

To comprehend the true essence of this Hadith, we must first explore the meanings of the key words. (al-ma'ruf) "المعروف" refers to acts of kindness, goodness, and righteousness. It encompasses all actions that are recognized as virtuous and beneficial in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). (qurud) "قروض" means loans, which are financial transactions where one person lends money to another with the expectation of repayment.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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 spending in the way of Allah and performing acts of goodness. It encourages Muslims to be generous and selfless, knowing that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) loves those who do good. It is through these benevolent acts that we can fulfill our obligations towards others and seek the pleasure of our Creator.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 274, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Those who spend their wealth [in Allah's cause] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse reinforces the idea that acts of kindness and charity are not in vain. Rather, they are investments with immense returns. Just as a loan is expected to be repaid with interest, our benevolent acts are loans to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that will be repaid manifold in the Hereafter. The rewards for these acts are not limited to this world, but extend to the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our good deeds are not lost or forgotten. They are recorded and will be repaid to us in the form of blessings, rewards, and mercy from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Just as a loan is expected to be repaid, our benevolent acts will be returned to us in ways that we cannot even fathom.

This Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to engage in acts of kindness and righteousness, knowing that they are not merely temporary gestures, but investments with everlasting returns. It encourages us to be mindful of our actions and to seize every opportunity to do good, for every act of kindness is a loan that will be repaid by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in ways that surpass our imagination.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that our benevolent acts have far-reaching consequences. They not only benefit those in need but also purify our souls, strengthen our faith, and bring us closer to our Creator. By embodying the spirit of this Hadith, we can cultivate a society that is characterized by compassion, empathy, and selflessness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that our acts of kindness and righteousness are not in vain. They are loans to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that will be repaid with abundant rewards and blessings. Let us strive to be among those who excel in performing good deeds, knowing that our efforts are not lost, but rather invested in the eternal treasures of the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the teachings of this Hadith and bless us with the rewards of our benevolent acts.