Hadith #9161

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مِنْ تَمامِ الكَرَمِ إتْمامُ النِّعَمِ۔

This can be translated as,

Completing [one’s] favours is from the perfection of munificence.

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

The word (tamam) "تَمَام" means completion or perfection. It refers to the act of fulfilling or finishing something in its entirety. In this context, it signifies the importance of fully completing the favors or acts of kindness that we bestow upon others. The word (karam) "كَرَم" means munificence or generosity. It refers to the act of being exceptionally kind and generous towards others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that completing our favors is a reflection of the perfection of our generosity. This means that true munificence lies not only in initiating acts of kindness but also in ensuring that those acts are carried through to their full completion. It is not enough to simply begin a good deed; we must see it through to its conclusion and fulfill it in its entirety.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support this concept of completing favors and acts of kindness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:196)

And complete the Hajj and 'Umrah for Allah

This verse highlights the importance of completing the pilgrimage rituals, indicating that the completion of acts of worship is an essential aspect of devotion.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (5:1)

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts

This verse emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our contractual obligations, highlighting the significance of completing our commitments and promises.

By providing these examples, the Quran emphasizes the importance of completing our obligations and favors. It teaches us that true munificence lies not only in initiating acts of kindness but also in ensuring their full completion. When we fulfill our promises and complete our acts of kindness, we demonstrate sincerity, integrity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us as Muslims to reflect upon our actions and intentions. It encourages us to be mindful of the favors we bestow upon others and to ensure that we follow through with them completely. By doing so, we uphold the values of generosity, integrity, and sincerity that are essential in Islam.

When we complete our favors, we not only bring joy and contentment to the recipients but also strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community. Our actions have a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit and creating a positive and harmonious society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of completing our favors and acts of kindness. It teaches us that true munificence lies not only in initiating acts of generosity but also in ensuring their full completion. By fulfilling our obligations and completing our favors, we demonstrate sincerity, integrity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be people of complete and sincere generosity, and may He grant us the ability to fulfill our favors and acts of kindness in their entirety.