Hadith #2516

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the three essential elements that complete a benevolent action: considering it insignificant, expediting it, and concealing it. Let us delve into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first element mentioned is

taking it to be insignificant

or (tasghir) "تَصْغِيرِهِ". This refers to considering the good deed as small or unimportant. It is a humble attitude that recognizes the magnitude of the action in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Quran emphasizes the value of even the smallest good deeds in Surah Al-Zalzalah (99:7-8), where it states,

So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it.

This verse reminds us that no good deed, no matter how small, goes unnoticed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The second element mentioned is "expediting it" or (ta'jil) "تَعْجِيلِهِ". This means performing the good action promptly and without delay. By doing so, we demonstrate our eagerness and sincerity in carrying out the act of kindness. The Quran encourages us to hasten in performing good deeds in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:148), where it states,

So hasten to good deeds as much as you can.

This verse emphasizes the importance of not procrastinating when it comes to acts of goodness, as delaying them may lead to missed opportunities or diminished impact.

The third element mentioned is "concealing it" or (sitr) "سَتْرِهِ". This refers to keeping the good deed hidden from others and not seeking recognition or praise for it. Concealing our acts of kindness allows us to purify our intentions and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. The Quran emphasizes the value of concealing good deeds in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:271), where it states,

If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you.

This verse highlights the superiority of concealing acts of charity, as it preserves the sincerity and purity of our intentions.

By considering a good deed insignificant, expediting its performance, and concealing it, we elevate the status of the action in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we regard a good deed as small, we acknowledge our own humility and recognize the greatness of the act itself. This mindset fosters a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to serve others and please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By expediting a good deed, we maximize its impact and benefit. When we act promptly, we seize the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone's life or contribute to the betterment of society. This sense of urgency reflects our commitment to fulfilling our responsibilities and obligations as Muslims.

By concealing a good deed, we safeguard its purity and protect it from being tainted by ego or seeking worldly recognition. When we perform acts of kindness without seeking praise or acknowledgement, we demonstrate our sincerity and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This humility allows us to focus on the intrinsic value of the action itself, rather than the external validation or approval of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that completing a benevolent action requires us to consider it insignificant, expedite its performance, and conceal it. These three elements, when practiced with sincerity and devotion, elevate the status of our good deeds in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By adopting this approach, we cultivate humility, gratitude, and sincerity in our acts of kindness, and we strive to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform benevolent actions with sincerity and humility, and may He accept our efforts and reward us abundantly.