Hadith #2520

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالإفْضالِ تُسْتَرَقُّ الأعْناقُ۔" This can be translated into English as,

By conferring favours, people are enthralled.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran. The word (ifdāl) "إفضال" in the Hadith refers to the act of bestowing favors or showing kindness to others. It encompasses acts of generosity, benevolence, and going beyond what is expected or required. The word (tustaraqqu) "تُسْتَرَقُّ" means to captivate or enthrall someone.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and bestowing favors upon others. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83, Allah says,

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 obligation to do good to others, including relatives, orphans, and the needy. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duties towards them but also earn their admiration and respect.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 23, Allah says,

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating our parents with kindness and respect. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards them but also create a sense of love and admiration in their hearts.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound impact of conferring favors upon others. When we show kindness, generosity, and go beyond what is expected, we captivate the hearts of people. This can be seen in various aspects of life. For example, when a leader governs with justice and fairness, and takes care of the needs of their subjects, they earn the respect and loyalty of the people. Similarly, when a teacher goes the extra mile to help their students, they create a lasting impact on their lives.

In the context of Islamic teachings, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of embodying the qualities of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), particularly Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his knowledge, wisdom, and generosity. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was not only a great warrior and leader but also a compassionate and benevolent individual. His acts of kindness and generosity towards others earned him the admiration and respect of the people.

By reflecting on this Hadith and its connection to the Quranic verses, we are reminded of the importance of showing kindness, generosity, and going beyond what is expected in our interactions with others. When we confer favors upon others, we not only fulfill our obligations but also create a positive impact on their lives. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive towards embodying the qualities of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through acts of kindness and benevolence. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and enable us to be a source of goodness and inspiration for others.