Hadith #2463

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 Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنْ قَبِلَ مََعْرُوفَكَ فَقدْ أوْجَبَ عَلَيْكَ حَقَّهُ۔

This can be translated as:

One who accepts your good turn has made his right over you mandatory [on himself].

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word "مَعْرُوفَكَ" refers to acts of kindness, favors, or good deeds that one does for another person. It encompasses any action that brings benefit or happiness to someone. The word "قَبِلَ" means to accept or receive. It implies that the recipient acknowledges and appreciates the good deed done for them.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that when someone accepts our good turn, they have, in fact, made it obligatory upon us to fulfill their rights. This means that by accepting our kindness, they have established a moral and ethical claim over us. It becomes our duty to fulfill their rights and reciprocate their kindness.

This profound teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is rooted in the principles of justice, gratitude, and reciprocity. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing and appreciating the good that others do for us. It also emphasizes the responsibility we have towards those who have accepted our acts of kindness.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 16:126)

And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient - it is better for those who are patient.

This verse highlights the principle of reciprocity and the importance of treating others in the same manner they treat us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 49:11)

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and refraining from belittling or insulting them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaching reminds us that when someone accepts our good turn, they have placed their trust in us and have shown us their appreciation. It is our duty to honor this trust and fulfill their rights. By doing so, we not only uphold the principles of justice and reciprocity, but we also strengthen the bonds of love and brotherhood within the Muslim community.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on our own actions and the impact they have on others. It reminds us to be mindful of the kindness we receive and to express gratitude for it. It also serves as a motivation to continue performing acts of goodness, knowing that they have a lasting effect on the hearts and lives of those around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of recognizing and fulfilling the rights of those who accept our good turn. It emphasizes the principles of justice, gratitude, and reciprocity. By understanding and implementing this teaching in our lives, we can strengthen the bonds of love and brotherhood within the Muslim community and strive towards a society built on kindness, compassion, and mutual respect. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the ability to fulfill the rights of others.