Hadith #9202

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

عادَةُ الكِرامِ حُسْنُ الصَّنيعَةِ۔

This can be translated as:

Doing good to others is the habit of noble-minded people.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (aadat) "عادَةُ" in the Hadith refers to a habit or a customary behavior. It implies a consistent pattern of behavior that becomes ingrained in an individual's character. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of cultivating a positive habit, specifically the habit of (husn al-sani'ah) "حُسْنُ الصَّنيعَةِ", which means doing good deeds or acts of kindness.

This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and treating others with kindness and compassion. 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 establishing prayer, which are acts of kindness that contribute to the betterment of society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse encourages Muslims to cooperate in righteousness and piety, which encompasses doing good to others. It emphasizes the importance of working together to promote goodness and kindness, while abstaining from sin and aggression.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to adopt the habit of doing good to others. It urges us to consistently engage in acts of kindness, not just as occasional deeds, but as a part of our character and daily lives.

By cultivating the habit of doing good, we can positively impact the lives of those around us and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. Our actions have the power to inspire others and create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this habit of doing good throughout his life. His knowledge, wisdom, and benevolence were renowned, and he consistently demonstrated acts of kindness and generosity towards others. His actions were rooted in his deep understanding of the teachings of Islam and his unwavering commitment to following the path of righteousness.

As Muslims, we are called upon to follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and make the habit of doing good an integral part of our lives. We should strive to treat others with kindness, compassion, and respect, regardless of their background or beliefs.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of cultivating the habit of doing good to others. It aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the significance of performing good deeds and treating others with kindness and compassion. By adopting this habit, we can positively impact the lives of those around us and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all in embodying this noble trait and grant us the ability to consistently engage in acts of kindness and goodness.