Hadith #2299

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of using power and authority to benefit others. The key phrase in this Hadith is

أجْمَلُ أفْعَالِ ذَوِي القُدْرَةِ الإنْعَامُ

which translates to

The most beautiful act of a person in a position of power is conferring of favours [to those under him].

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us delve into the Quranic verses that emphasize the concept of using power and authority for the betterment of others.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80):

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and support in using power and authority responsibly. It reminds us that true strength lies in humility and seeking Allah's assistance in fulfilling our responsibilities.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:25), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

We sent aforetime our messengers with clear signs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance, that people may stand forth in justice.

This verse emphasizes the role of messengers and leaders in establishing justice and fairness. It reminds us that those in positions of power have a duty to ensure justice and equity for all, using their authority to uplift the oppressed and marginalized.

Reflecting on these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. The most beautiful act of a person in a position of power is to confer favors upon those under their authority. This means using one's power and resources to benefit others, to uplift the weak, and to promote justice and fairness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this principle throughout his life. His knowledge and wisdom were renowned, and he used his authority as the Caliph to establish a just society. He was known for his generosity, often distributing wealth and resources to those in need. His famous saying,

The people are either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity,

encapsulates his approach to leadership and the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion.

When those in positions of power use their authority to confer favors upon others, it creates a ripple effect of positive change. It fosters a sense of unity, compassion, and social cohesion within society. It also establishes a just and fair system where everyone's rights are protected, and the vulnerable are uplifted.

Conversely, when power is misused or abused, it leads to oppression, inequality, and social unrest. History is replete with examples of leaders who exploited their authority for personal gain, causing immense suffering and injustice.

As Muslims, we are reminded by this Hadith and the Quranic verses to be mindful of how we use our power and authority, no matter how big or small. Whether we are leaders in our communities, parents in our households, or even in positions of influence within our workplaces, we must strive to emulate the example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of using power and authority to confer favors upon others. It reminds us that true strength lies in humility and using our resources to uplift and benefit those under our care. By following this principle, we can establish a just and compassionate society, in line with the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be just and compassionate leaders, and may He grant us the ability to use our power and authority for the betterment of humanity.