Hadith #9728

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,

The basis of magnanimity is truthful speech and doing good to others.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of two fundamental qualities in a person's character: truthful speech and benevolent actions towards others.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The term "mulk" refers to magnanimity or generosity, which encompasses various aspects of noble character. "Siddiq al-lisan" refers to truthful speech, where one speaks honestly and with integrity. It is the quality of being truthful in one's words, avoiding falsehood and deception. "Bazl al-ihsan" refers to doing good to others, which includes acts of kindness, charity, and benevolence.

To understand the significance of truthful speech and doing good to others, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:70),

O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.

This verse emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully and justly, as it is an essential aspect of taqwa (God-consciousness) and righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions the story of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and his son Ismail (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). When Ibrahim and Ismail were raising the foundations of the Kaaba, they supplicated to Allah, saying,

Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.

This verse highlights the importance of doing good deeds with sincerity and seeking acceptance from Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that truthful speech and doing good to others form the foundation of magnanimity. When a person speaks truthfully, they gain the trust and respect of others. Truthful speech fosters strong relationships and builds a society based on honesty and integrity. It also reflects the knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound understanding of Islam and his ability to articulate the truth.

Similarly, doing good to others is a manifestation of kindness, compassion, and selflessness. It involves helping those in need, showing empathy, and spreading positivity. By engaging in acts of kindness, we not only benefit others but also purify our own souls and strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of practicing truthful speech and doing good to others are far-reaching. When we speak truthfully, we uphold justice and fairness, and we become a source of guidance and inspiration for others. Our words carry weight and influence, and they can bring about positive change in society. Similarly, when we engage in acts of kindness, we create a ripple effect of goodness, inspiring others to do the same. Our benevolent actions have the power to transform lives and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of embodying these qualities in their daily lives. We are encouraged to be truthful in our speech, avoiding lies, gossip, and slander. We are also reminded to be proactive in doing good to others, seeking opportunities to help, support, and uplift those around us. By practicing these qualities, we can strive to emulate the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfill our duty as Muslims.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to speak truthfully and do good to others, and may He bless us with the magnanimity of character. Ameen.