Hadith #2396

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,

زِدْ فيِ اصْطِناعِ المَعْرُوفِ، وأكْثِرْ مِنْ إسْداءِ الإحْسانِ، فَإنَّهُ أبْقى ذُخْراً، وأجْمَلُ ذِكْراً۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of increasing our acts of kindness and generosity, as they have lasting benefits and leave a beautiful legacy.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The term "اصْطِناعِ المَعْرُوفِ" refers to actively engaging in acts of goodness and righteousness. It encompasses all forms of virtuous deeds, such as helping the needy, being kind to others, and spreading love and compassion. The word "إسْداءِ الإحْسانِ" means bestowing favors and acts of kindness upon others. It implies going beyond what is expected and extending our generosity to those around us.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah and doing good deeds. It encourages us to be proactive in our acts of kindness and to avoid wastefulness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.

This verse highlights the multiplied rewards for those who engage in acts of charity and loan Allah a goodly loan. It signifies the everlasting benefits of benevolent acts and the beautiful legacy they leave behind.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it emphasizes the need to actively engage in acts of goodness and righteousness. It is not enough to simply have good intentions; we must take practical steps to make a positive impact in the lives of others. By increasing our acts of kindness, we contribute to the betterment of society and fulfill our obligations as Muslims.

Secondly, this Hadith reminds us of the lasting benefits of benevolent acts. While material possessions may fade away, the rewards of our good deeds will remain with us in the hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the Most Generous, and He promises to multiply the rewards for those who engage in acts of charity and kindness.

Lastly, this Hadith encourages us to leave a beautiful legacy. By increasing our acts of kindness, we inspire others to follow in our footsteps and create a ripple effect of goodness. Our actions serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion and generosity, and they leave a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of those around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to increase our acts of kindness and generosity. It reminds us of the lasting benefits and beautiful legacy that result from such actions. By actively engaging in acts of goodness, we fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to increase our benevolent acts and bestow more favors upon others.