Hadith #3007

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the foolishness of a certain type of person. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining its key words and their implications.

The first important word in this Hadith is (ahmaq) "أحْمَقُ", which translates to "foolish" or "ignorant." This word denotes a lack of wisdom, understanding, and foresight. It refers to someone who acts in a manner that is contrary to reason and logic.

The next significant word is (an-nas) "النّاسِ", which means "people" or "human beings." This word encompasses all individuals, regardless of their background, beliefs, or actions. It emphasizes that the foolishness described in the Hadith is not limited to a specific group but can be found among people in general.

The Hadith then mentions the actions of this foolish individual. The first action is (yamna'u al-birr) "يَمْنَعُ الْبِرَّ", which means "prevents good deeds." This refers to someone who actively hinders or obstructs acts of righteousness, kindness, and benevolence. It highlights the detrimental impact of preventing others from performing good deeds.

The second action is (yatlubu ash-shukr) "يَطْلُبُ الشُّكْرَ", which translates to "seeks gratitude." This indicates that the foolish person expects gratitude and appreciation for their actions, despite preventing others from doing good. It reveals their self-centeredness and lack of understanding of the true essence of righteousness.

The third action is (yaf'al ash-sharr) "يَفْعَلُ الشَّرَّ", which means "does evil." This refers to the person's engagement in harmful, immoral, or sinful actions. It highlights their inclination towards negativity and their disregard for the well-being of others.

Lastly, the Hadith mentions the expectation of reward for doing good, stating (yatawagha'u thawaba al-khayr) "يَتَوَقَّعُ ثَوابَ الخَيْرِ". This highlights the foolishness of expecting reward and recompense for good deeds while simultaneously engaging in evil actions and preventing others from doing good. It exposes their lack of understanding of the principles of accountability and divine justice.

To further understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 267: (Quran 2:267)

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and spending from the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. It encourages us to give from the best of what we have and not to seek recognition or gratitude from others. It reminds us that Allah is the ultimate provider and that our acts of righteousness should be solely for His sake.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states: (Quran 2:286)

Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned.

This verse highlights the concept of personal responsibility and accountability. Each individual will be held accountable for their own actions, whether good or evil. It serves as a reminder that expecting rewards for good deeds while engaging in evil actions is not only foolish but also goes against the principles of divine justice.

Reflecting on the wise message of this Hadith, we can understand the consequences of such foolish behavior. The person described in the Hadith not only prevents others from performing good deeds but also fails to recognize the importance of sincerity and selflessness in their own actions. They are misguided in their understanding of righteousness and the true essence of reward and punishment.

As Muslims, we are reminded to strive for righteousness, to perform good deeds, and to avoid evil actions. We should seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do, without expecting recognition or reward from others. May Allah guide us to be wise and discerning individuals who understand the true meaning of righteousness and strive to please Him in all aspects of our lives.