Hadith #9293

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, the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ هَمَّ أنْ يُكافِيَ عَلى مَعْرُوف فَقَدْ كافى۔

This can be translated as,

One who endeavours to recompense the good that is done to him has indeed recompensed it.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (hamma) "هَمَّ" means to strive or endeavor. It signifies the active effort one puts in to reciprocate the good done to them. (yukafiya) "يُكافِيَ" means to recompense or repay. It implies giving back in a manner that matches or exceeds the good that was received. (ala) "عَلَى" means upon or in response to. And (ma'ruf) "مَعْرُوف" refers to acts of kindness, goodness, or righteousness.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195:

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 emphasizes the importance of doing good and being generous. It encourages Muslims to spend in the way of Allah and not withhold their wealth out of fear or stinginess. By doing good, we earn the love and pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further emphasizes the concept of reciprocating good deeds. When someone does something good for us, whether it is a small act of kindness or a significant favor, it is our duty to strive to repay that goodness. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligation but also demonstrate gratitude and appreciation.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Insan, verse 8:

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse highlights the selflessness and sincerity with which we should perform acts of kindness. We should not seek any reward or gratitude from those we help, but rather do it solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). However, when someone does good to us, it becomes our responsibility to reciprocate their kindness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that we should not take the good done to us for granted. It urges us to actively strive to repay the kindness shown to us. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also cultivate a culture of gratitude and reciprocity within our communities.

Let us reflect on the consequences of implementing this Hadith in our lives. When we make a conscious effort to recompense the good done to us, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. We create an environment where acts of kindness are valued and reciprocated, fostering a sense of unity and harmony.

Moreover, by actively striving to repay the good done to us, we elevate our own character and emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his knowledge, wisdom, and generosity. He was a shining example of someone who always went above and beyond to repay the good done to him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of actively striving to recompense the good that is done to us. It reminds us to be grateful and appreciative of the kindness shown to us and to reciprocate it in a manner that matches or exceeds the original act. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also foster a culture of gratitude and reciprocity within our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to implement this Hadith in our lives and enable us to be among those who constantly strive to repay the good done to them.