Hadith #2296

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

أفْضَلُ البِرِّ ما أُصِيبَ بِهِ أهْلُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

The best act is that which benefits those who are deserving of it.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (bir) "بر" refers to acts of righteousness, goodness, and kindness. It encompasses all actions that are pleasing to Allah and beneficial to others. The word (usiba) "أُصِيبَ" means to reach or attain. It implies that the act of righteousness has been achieved or accomplished. The word (ahluhu) "أهْلُهُ" refers to the people who are deserving of the act of righteousness. It includes one's family, relatives, friends, and those who are in need.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:110)

You are the best nation produced for mankind, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah.

This verse highlights the importance of enjoining what is right, which is an essential aspect of righteousness. It emphasizes the responsibility of Muslims to actively engage in acts that benefit others and promote goodness in society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 5:2)

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

This verse emphasizes the significance of cooperation in acts of righteousness and goodness. It encourages Muslims to come together and work collectively to benefit others and promote righteousness in all aspects of life.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautifully complements these Quranic teachings. It highlights that the best acts of righteousness are those that bring benefit to those who truly deserve it. This Hadith encourages Muslims to prioritize their acts of kindness and goodness towards their family, relatives, friends, and those who are in need. It reminds us that true righteousness is not limited to individual acts of worship, but extends to our interactions and relationships with others.

For example, a person who takes care of their elderly parents and fulfills their needs is engaging in an act of righteousness that benefits those who are deserving of it. Similarly, someone who supports and uplifts their community by volunteering their time and resources is also performing a righteous act that brings benefit to those who are deserving of it.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder of the importance of intention in our actions. When we perform acts of righteousness with the intention of benefiting those who are deserving, our actions become more sincere and meaningful. It encourages us to reflect on the impact our actions have on others and to strive for acts that bring genuine benefit and goodness to those around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best acts of righteousness are those that benefit those who are deserving of it. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our acts of kindness and goodness towards our family, relatives, friends, and those who are in need. This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of enjoining what is right, cooperating in righteousness, and promoting goodness in society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to perform acts of righteousness that bring benefit to those who are deserving of it and grant us the ability to embody the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).