Hadith #2535

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لَنْ يُسْتَرَقَّ الإنْسانُ حَتّى يَغْمُرَهُ الإحْسانُ۔

This Hadith can be translated into English as,

The human being is not enthralled until he is engulfed by favor.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (istaraq) "إسترقاء" means to be captivated, enthralled, or overwhelmed. It refers to a state where a person is completely absorbed and engrossed in something. The word (ihsan) "إحسان" means favor, kindness, or excellence. It encompasses acts of goodness and benevolence towards others.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of doing good and spending in the way of Allah. It highlights that true goodness lies in acts of kindness and benevolence towards others. When a person is engulfed by such acts of favor, they become captivated by the beauty of righteousness and are protected from falling into destruction.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of cooperation in righteousness and piety. When individuals come together to perform acts of goodness and kindness, they create a harmonious environment that uplifts and benefits society as a whole. By being engulfed in favor, people are able to cooperate in righteousness and piety, leading to a virtuous and prosperous community.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true fulfillment and contentment can only be achieved when we are completely absorbed in acts of favor and kindness. When we go beyond the basic obligations and strive to excel in our interactions with others, we become truly enthralled by the beauty of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His life serves as a shining example of someone who was engulfed by favor. He displayed unparalleled acts of kindness, justice, and compassion towards all individuals, regardless of their social status or beliefs. His teachings and actions continue to inspire Muslims to this day.

When we embrace the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to be engulfed by favor, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of society. Our acts of kindness and benevolence have a ripple effect, spreading positivity and goodness to those around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true fulfillment lies in being completely absorbed in acts of favor and kindness. By going beyond the minimum requirements and striving for excellence in our interactions with others, we become captivated by the beauty of righteousness. Let us strive to be engulfed by favor and create a world filled with compassion, justice, and love. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on this path and grant us the ability to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).