مَنْ بَذَلَ مَعْرُوفَهُ كَثُرَ الرّاغِبُ إلَيْهِ۔
Whoever extends his goodness [to others], more people are inclined towards him.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Good Turns And Benevolent Actions)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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:
مَنْ بَذَلَ مَعْرُوفَهُ كَثُرَ الرّاغِبُ إلَيْهِ۔
This Hadith emphasizes the importance of extending goodness and kindness to others. The word (ma'rufahu) "مَعْرُوفَهُ" refers to acts of goodness, kindness, and benevolence. It encompasses all actions that are considered virtuous and beneficial to others.
To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83:
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 emphasizes the significance of speaking good words and performing acts of kindness. By doing so, we fulfill our obligations towards our fellow human beings and strengthen the bonds of love and compassion within society.
Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 53, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:
And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.
This verse reminds us of the power of good speech and the importance of choosing our words wisely. By speaking kindly and with wisdom, we can foster unity and harmony among people. Conversely, negative and hurtful speech can lead to division and discord. Therefore, extending goodness through our words is essential in building strong relationships and attracting others towards us.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to go beyond the minimum requirements of goodness and to extend it generously to others. When we consistently engage in acts of kindness, people are naturally drawn towards us. This attraction is not merely superficial but stems from the recognition of our genuine care and concern for others.
When we extend goodness to others, it has a ripple effect. People observe our actions and are inspired to follow suit. This creates a positive cycle of kindness and compassion within society. Moreover, when we are known for our benevolence, others are more likely to seek our company, advice, and support. This Hadith teaches us that by being generous with our goodness, we can have a profound impact on the lives of those around us.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His actions and words were a manifestation of the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). He exemplified the qualities of kindness, generosity, and compassion, which attracted countless people towards him. Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, recognize Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exceptional character and regard him as a role model for all believers.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the power of extending goodness to others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards our fellow human beings but also create a positive impact on society. Let us strive to be like Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and extend our goodness generously, attracting others towards us through our acts of kindness, compassion, and benevolence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying these virtues and bless us with the ability to positively influence those around us.
Join our community to daily receive one short Hadith of Imam Ali a.s on your device. |