Hadith #2482

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "نِعْمَ الذُّخْرُ المَعْرُوفُ۔" which translates to

How good a store [for the future] benevolence is!

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims, reminding us of the immense value of performing acts of kindness and charity.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (dhuhr) "ذُّخْرُ" refers to a store or treasure, indicating something that is accumulated or stored for future use. It implies that acts of benevolence and kindness are not only beneficial in the present, but they also serve as a valuable reserve for the future. The word (ma'ruf) "مَعْرُوفُ" means goodness, righteousness, or acts of virtue that are recognized and accepted by society.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of performing acts of kindness and charity. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195, Allah says,

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 highlights the correlation between spending in the way of Allah and performing acts of goodness. It encourages Muslims to be generous and charitable, as these actions not only benefit others but also bring about personal growth and spiritual elevation. By investing in acts of benevolence, we are storing treasures for ourselves in the hereafter.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 267, where Allah says,

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 giving from what is good and pure, rather than from what is defective or of low quality. It encourages Muslims to be mindful of the quality of their acts of charity and to give with sincerity and excellence. By doing so, we not only benefit others but also enhance our own spiritual growth and store treasures for the future.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can understand that acts of benevolence and kindness are not only beneficial in the present, but they also serve as a means of accumulating rewards and blessings for the future. Just as we store wealth and possessions for our worldly needs, we should also prioritize storing treasures of good deeds for our eternal life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and this Hadith is a testament to his deep understanding of the Quranic teachings. As Muslims, we should strive to follow in his footsteps by actively engaging in acts of kindness and charity, recognizing that these actions not only benefit others but also serve as a means of securing our own future.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the immense value of performing acts of benevolence and kindness. By investing in these virtuous actions, we not only benefit others but also store treasures for ourselves in the hereafter. Let us strive to be among the doers of good and make a conscious effort to accumulate treasures of righteousness for our eternal life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to perform acts of benevolence that will serve as a store for our future.