Hadith #4998

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The completion of eminence is in taking the initiative to do good to others.

This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the importance of proactively engaging in acts of kindness and benevolence towards others. To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of its key words.

The word "tamam" refers to completion or perfection, indicating that true excellence lies in a particular action. "Sudad" refers to eminence or virtue, highlighting the noble qualities that one should strive to possess. "Ibtida" means taking the initiative or starting something, implying that the highest form of virtue is displayed when one proactively initiates acts of goodness towards others. "Sanai" refers to actions or deeds, encompassing all forms of righteous acts.

This Hadith is beautifully aligned with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of doing good to others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (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.

This verse highlights that true righteousness lies not in mere rituals or outward displays, but in the sincere belief in Allah and the active pursuit of good deeds. It emphasizes the importance of giving to those in need, which aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.

This verse emphasizes the immense reward and blessings that await those who engage in acts of charity and goodness. It encourages Muslims to actively seek opportunities to do good, knowing that their efforts will be multiplied and rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to not only refrain from doing harm but to actively seek ways to benefit and uplift others. It encourages us to take the initiative in performing acts of kindness, whether it be helping the needy, supporting the oppressed, or simply spreading love and compassion in our interactions with others.

By proactively engaging in acts of goodness, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also cultivate a sense of empathy, compassion, and selflessness within ourselves. We become agents of positive change, spreading goodness and light in a world that often feels dark and troubled.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was the embodiment of knowledge and virtue. His life serves as a shining example of how one should strive to emulate the teachings of Islam. His wisdom, derived from his close association with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his deep understanding of the Quran, continues to guide and inspire Muslims to this day.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of taking the initiative to do good to others. It aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the importance of engaging in acts of kindness and charity. By proactively seeking opportunities to benefit others, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also cultivate a sense of empathy, compassion, and selflessness within ourselves. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the teachings of this Hadith and strive for excellence in our actions.