Hadith #2525

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, and his noble companions.

The above Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of extending benevolence and kindness to all people. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to treat others with goodness and to perform acts of kindness towards them. The word used in the Hadith for benevolence is (ma'rufaka) "مَعْرُوفَكَ", which refers to acts of goodness, kindness, and benevolence.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of good deeds and treating others with kindness and compassion.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of doing good to others, including parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It also emphasizes the significance of speaking good words to people. By extending our benevolence to others, we fulfill our obligations towards them and please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

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 encourages Muslims to cooperate in acts of righteousness and piety. By extending our benevolence to others, we are cooperating in righteousness and fulfilling our duty towards our fellow human beings. This cooperation in goodness is highly regarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the virtue of performing good deeds and extending benevolence to others by stating that nothing can be equated with the virtue of a good turn in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This means that the reward and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for performing acts of kindness and benevolence are immeasurable.

When we extend our benevolence to others, we not only bring happiness and relief to those in need but also set an example for others to follow. Our actions have the potential to inspire and motivate others to perform acts of kindness as well. By treating others with goodness and compassion, we contribute to the betterment of society and promote a culture of kindness and empathy.

Moreover, extending benevolence to all people, regardless of their background or beliefs, is a reflection of the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His knowledge and understanding of Islam enabled him to recognize the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion. As Muslims, we should strive to emulate his example and follow his teachings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of extending benevolence and kindness to all people. By performing acts of goodness and treating others with compassion, we fulfill our obligations towards our fellow human beings and please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Quranic verses mentioned support and reinforce the importance of performing good deeds and cooperating in righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and enable us to extend our benevolence to all people.