Hadith #9891

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "المن ينكد الإحسان" which translates to

Obligation spoils the favor.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and can be understood through the lens of the Quranic teachings.

One key word in this Hadith is (ihsan) "إحسان", which can be translated as "favor" or "goodness." In the Islamic context, it refers to acts of kindness, benevolence, and going above and beyond what is required. It is the act of doing good without expecting anything in return, solely for the sake of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The other important word in this Hadith is (yankid) "ينكد", which means "spoils" or "diminishes." It implies that when an act of goodness or favor becomes an obligation, it loses its essence and impact. When something is done out of obligation, it no longer carries the same sincerity and selflessness that is inherent in acts of ihsan.

To further understand the concept of ihsan and its relationship with obligation, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:177)

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous

This verse highlights the importance of performing acts of righteousness and goodness, such as giving charity and fulfilling promises. These acts are not limited to specific obligations but encompass a broader understanding of ihsan. It emphasizes the sincerity and selflessness that should be present in our actions, rather than merely fulfilling obligations.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of ihsan is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 60:8)

Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly

This verse encourages Muslims to act with righteousness and justice towards those who do not oppose them or pose a threat to their faith. It highlights the importance of treating others with kindness and fairness, even when it is not obligatory. This exemplifies the spirit of ihsan, going beyond what is required and treating others with goodness and respect.

Now, coming back to the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Obligation spoils the favor,

we can understand that when an act of goodness or favor becomes obligatory, it loses its essence and impact. Obligations are necessary and have their own significance, but they should not overshadow the spirit of ihsan. Acts of ihsan should be performed willingly, out of love for Allah and a genuine desire to help others, rather than being driven solely by obligation.

When we perform acts of ihsan voluntarily, without any external pressure or obligation, they become more meaningful and impactful. They reflect the true essence of our faith and our commitment to following the teachings of the Quran. Obligations have their place in Islam, but we should strive to go beyond them and embrace the spirit of ihsan in all aspects of our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

Obligation spoils the favor,

reminds us of the importance of performing acts of ihsan willingly and sincerely. It encourages us to go beyond fulfilling obligations and to embody the spirit of ihsan in all our actions. By doing so, we can truly exemplify the teachings of the Quran and the noble character of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be people of ihsan and grant us the ability to perform acts of goodness with sincerity and selflessness.