Hadith #2561

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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) states,

The worst of the benevolent ones is the one who puts others under obligation by his favor.

This Hadith highlights the negative aspect of a person who performs acts of kindness or favors with the intention of creating a sense of obligation in others. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (mumtanun) "مُمْتَنُّ", which refers to someone who does good deeds or acts of kindness. This person is described as (sharru) "شَرُّ", meaning the worst or most evil. The Hadith warns against a specific type of benevolent person who uses their acts of kindness to manipulate or control others by creating a sense of indebtedness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:264),

O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day.

This verse cautions against performing acts of charity or kindness with the intention of seeking recognition or control over others. It emphasizes the importance of sincerity and pure intentions in our benevolent actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan (76:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the righteous believers as those who give food, despite their own need,

We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.

This verse highlights the selflessness and sincerity of those who perform acts of kindness solely for the sake of Allah, without expecting anything in return.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that true acts of benevolence should be performed solely for the pleasure of Allah and not for personal gain or control over others. When we perform acts of kindness with the intention of creating a sense of obligation in others, we not only compromise the sincerity of our actions but also risk damaging relationships and causing harm.

For example, if someone lends money to another person with the intention of later using it as leverage or control over them, it goes against the spirit of true benevolence. This behavior can lead to strained relationships, resentment, and a breakdown of trust. On the other hand, if the lender gives the money with a genuine desire to help without expecting anything in return, it fosters goodwill and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood in the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the negative consequences of using acts of kindness to manipulate or control others. It reminds us to perform acts of benevolence solely for the pleasure of Allah, without seeking recognition or creating a sense of obligation in others. By doing so, we uphold the true spirit of Islam and strengthen the bonds of love and compassion within the Muslim community. May Allah guide us to be sincere in our actions and grant us the wisdom to understand the true essence of benevolence.