Hadith #2338

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الإفْضالُ أفْضَلُ الكَرَمِ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Conferring favours is the most excellent munificence.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtue and superiority of bestowing favors upon others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (al-ifdāl) "الإفْضالُ" refers to conferring or granting favors, while (afdal) "أفْضَلُ" means the most excellent or superior. Lastly, (al-karam) "الكَرَمِ" denotes munificence or generosity.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of conferring favors and being generous towards others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the east or the west, but righteousness is to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the angels, and the Book, and the Prophets, and to give wealth, however cherished, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask, and for freeing slaves.

This verse highlights the significance of giving wealth to those in need, which is a form of conferring favors. It is an act of righteousness that encompasses belief in Allah and the principles of Islam. By giving to those less fortunate, we demonstrate our faith and fulfill our duty as Muslims.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the righteous, saying,

And they give food, in spite of their 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 exemplifies the selflessness and sincerity of those who confer favors. They give food to the needy, despite their own love for it, solely seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Their intention is not to seek any reward or gratitude from the recipients, but rather to fulfill their duty as servants of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that conferring favors is the most excellent form of munificence. When we bestow favors upon others, we not only fulfill their needs but also uplift their spirits and bring joy to their hearts. This act of kindness has a profound impact on the recipient, fostering a sense of gratitude and appreciation.

Moreover, conferring favors has far-reaching consequences. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community. When we extend our generosity to others, we create a culture of compassion and empathy, where individuals support and uplift one another.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His understanding of the Quran and his deep spirituality allowed him to recognize the importance of conferring favors. He himself exemplified this virtue through his actions, as he was known for his generosity and willingness to help those in need.

As Muslims, we should strive to emulate the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quran by conferring favors upon others. Whether it is through financial assistance, emotional support, or acts of kindness, we should always be ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the virtue and superiority of conferring favors upon others. This act of munificence is highly regarded in Islam and is supported by numerous Quranic verses. By bestowing favors, we not only fulfill the needs of others but also foster unity, compassion, and gratitude within the Muslim community. Let us strive to embody this noble characteristic and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran.