Hadith #4846

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of showing kindness and benevolence to those who deserve it. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (ma'rufahu) "مَعْرُوفَهُ", which can be translated as "benevolence" or "goodness." This word encompasses acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion towards others. It implies going above and beyond in treating others with respect, fairness, and empathy.

The Hadith emphasizes that one of the sources of true happiness and contentment lies in showing ma'ruf (benevolence) to one's family and loved ones. This includes treating them with kindness, fulfilling their needs, and being there for them in times of difficulty. By doing so, we not only strengthen the bonds of love and unity within our families but also contribute to the overall well-being of society.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of showing kindness and benevolence to others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83):

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 obligation to do good to one's parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and speaking good words to them. By fulfilling these obligations, we not only please Allah but also contribute to the betterment of society.

Another verse that supports the concept of benevolence is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2):

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 with one another in acts of righteousness and piety. It emphasizes the importance of working together to promote goodness and prevent evil. By showing benevolence to others, we contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize acts of kindness and benevolence in their daily lives. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards our families and loved ones but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

When we show benevolence to those who are deserving of it, we inspire others to do the same. Our actions have a ripple effect, spreading kindness and compassion throughout our communities. Moreover, by embodying the teachings of Islam in our interactions, we become ambassadors of our faith, showcasing its beauty and attracting others towards its principles.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of showing benevolence to those who deserve it. By treating our families and loved ones with kindness and compassion, we not only strengthen our relationships but also contribute to the overall well-being of society. Let us strive to embody the teachings of Islam in our actions and inspire others to do the same. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice ma'ruf (benevolence) in all aspects of our lives.