Hadith #2365

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بالإحْسانِ يُسْتَعْبَدُ الإنْسانُ۔" This can be translated as,

Through kindness, human beings are enslaved.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom behind this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ihsan) "إحْسانِ" in this Hadith refers to acts of kindness, goodness, and excellence. It encompasses going above and beyond in one's actions, treating others with compassion, and striving for perfection in all aspects of life. It is a quality that reflects the highest moral character and is highly valued in Islam.

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

And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing acts of kindness and goodness, as it is beloved to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say to My servants that they should say words that are the best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

This verse encourages us to choose our words wisely and speak with kindness and respect, even in times of disagreement. By doing so, we can foster unity and harmony among people.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that through acts of kindness, we can enslave ourselves. This may seem paradoxical at first, as enslavement is usually associated with oppression and loss of freedom. However, when we reflect deeply, we realize that true freedom lies in the service of others and in the pursuit of righteousness.

When we choose to be kind and compassionate towards others, we free ourselves from the shackles of selfishness and ego. By putting the needs of others before our own, we transcend our own desires and become slaves to the higher purpose of serving humanity. This selflessness is beautifully exemplified in the life of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who dedicated his entire existence to the well-being of others and the establishment of justice.

Through acts of kindness, we not only benefit those around us but also experience personal growth and spiritual elevation. The Quran affirms this in Surah Al-Insan (76:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, this is for you a reward, and your effort has been appreciated.

Our efforts to be kind and compassionate are not in vain; they are rewarded by Allah and recognized as valuable contributions to society.

Moreover, the consequences of kindness are far-reaching. When we treat others with kindness, we inspire them to do the same. Our actions have a ripple effect, spreading goodness and positivity in the world. This is beautifully described in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:263), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that through acts of kindness, we can enslave ourselves to the higher purpose of serving humanity. By choosing to be kind, we free ourselves from the chains of selfishness and ego, and experience personal growth and spiritual elevation. Let us strive to embody the spirit of kindness in our interactions with others, following the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the teachings of the Quran. May Allah guide us all to be people of ihsan and grant us the ability to spread kindness and goodness in the world.