Hadith #9232

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The pinnacle of noble traits is altruism.

The word used in this Hadith to describe altruism is "al-Ithar." Al-Ithar refers to selflessness, putting others before oneself, and sacrificing for the well-being of others. It is the act of giving preference to others over oneself, even when it may cause personal inconvenience or hardship.

This concept of altruism is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of selflessness and caring for others in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah). Despite their own limited resources, the Ansar gave preference to the needs of the Muhajirun, demonstrating the essence of altruism. This selflessness is praised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and serves as a guiding example for all Muslims.

Another verse that emphasizes the importance of altruism is found in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), where Allah says,

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse highlights the act of giving food to those in need, without expecting anything in return. The believers are motivated solely by their love for Allah and their desire to please Him. This selfless act of giving demonstrates the pinnacle of noble traits, as mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Altruism is not limited to material possessions or financial assistance. It encompasses all aspects of life, including emotional support, time, knowledge, and skills. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was the epitome of knowledge and wisdom. He dedicated his life to serving others and sharing his knowledge with the community. His selflessness and willingness to sacrifice for the betterment of others is evident in his famous saying,

I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) knowledge was not selfishly guarded or used for personal gain. Instead, he selflessly shared his wisdom with others, guiding them towards the path of righteousness and enlightenment. This exemplifies the essence of altruism, as he prioritized the well-being and growth of others over his own personal interests.

The consequences of practicing altruism are profound. It fosters unity, compassion, and empathy within the Muslim community. When individuals prioritize the needs of others and selflessly contribute to the welfare of society, it creates a harmonious environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Altruism also strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims, as they come together to uplift and assist one another.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quranic verses that emphasize altruism, Muslims are reminded of the importance of selflessness in their daily lives. It serves as a reminder to constantly strive to put the needs of others before our own and to be willing to sacrifice for the greater good. By embodying the noble trait of altruism, we can contribute to the betterment of society and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to practice altruism and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.