Hadith #9227

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us to rush towards noble deeds, to make haste in bearing the liabilities of others, and to hurry to fulfill the needs of those who are unaware of our assistance. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that by doing so, we will be rewarded generously in both this world and the Hereafter, and we will acquire a great prize from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this hadith. The term (tabadaru) "تَبَادَرُوا" means to rush or hasten towards something. It implies a sense of urgency and eagerness in performing good deeds. The word (al-makarim) "المَكَارِمَ" refers to noble and virtuous actions. These are the deeds that elevate our character and bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They include acts of kindness, generosity, justice, and righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then advises us to (sari'u) "سَارِعُوا" in bearing the liabilities of others. This means that we should be quick to fulfill our responsibilities towards others, whether they are financial, emotional, or physical. We should not delay or procrastinate in helping those in need, but rather, we should actively seek out opportunities to assist them. By doing so, we not only alleviate their burden but also earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to (is'au) "اسْعَوْا" in fulfilling the needs of those who are unaware of our assistance. This highlights the importance of performing acts of kindness and charity without seeking recognition or praise. We should strive to help others selflessly, without expecting anything in return. By doing so, we not only benefit the recipients of our help but also purify our intentions and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To support the exegesis of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:21),

Race one with another in hastening towards Forgiveness from your Lord (Allah), and towards Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of the heaven and the earth, prepared for those who believe in Allah and His Messengers. That is the Grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He pleases. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of rushing towards forgiveness and Paradise. It encourages us to compete with one another in performing good deeds and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Similarly, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

These verses highlight the significance of hastening towards noble deeds and cooperating in righteousness. They remind us that our actions should be guided by piety and the fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By rushing towards good deeds and fulfilling the needs of others, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for us as Muslims to be proactive in performing noble deeds, to bear the responsibilities of others, and to fulfill the needs of those who are unaware of our assistance. By doing so, we not only earn the reward of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in both this world and the Hereafter but also cultivate a spirit of selflessness and compassion within ourselves. Let us strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and follow his example of knowledge, wisdom, and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to rush towards noble deeds and fulfill the needs of others, and may He reward us abundantly for our efforts.