Hadith #2537

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,

مَا اسْتُعْبِدَ الكِرامُ بِمِثْلِ الإكْرامِ۔

This can be translated as,

Nothing enthrals the honourable ones like benevolence.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (istu'bid) "استعبد" in the Hadith refers to being captivated or enthralled. It implies that the noble and honorable individuals are deeply affected by acts of kindness and generosity. The word (al-kiram) "الكِرام" refers to those who possess nobility, honor, and dignity. These are individuals who are known for their righteousness, piety, and moral excellence.

To understand the significance of benevolence in captivating the hearts of the honorable ones, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East or the West, but righteousness is one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the Prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving to those in need and highlights the righteousness of such actions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan, verse 8, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of those who give, even when they themselves are attached to what they possess. It demonstrates that true honor lies in using one's resources to benefit others, especially those who are vulnerable and in need.

When the honorable ones witness acts of benevolence, they are deeply moved and captivated. This is because acts of kindness and generosity resonate with their own noble nature. The honorable ones recognize the value of selflessness and the impact it has on individuals and society as a whole. They are inspired by acts of benevolence and are motivated to emulate such behavior in their own lives.

The consequences of practicing benevolence are far-reaching. When the honorable ones engage in acts of kindness, they not only benefit those in need but also elevate their own spiritual status. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises immense rewards for those who give generously and selflessly. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261, Allah says:

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand that acts of benevolence have the power to captivate the hearts of the honorable ones. When they witness selflessness and generosity, it resonates with their own noble nature and inspires them to follow suit. The Quranic verses mentioned above emphasize the importance of giving to those in need and highlight the righteousness and rewards associated with such actions.

As Muslims, it is our duty to strive towards embodying the qualities of the honorable ones and to engage in acts of benevolence. By doing so, we not only benefit those in need but also elevate our own spiritual status. Let us remember the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to be among the honorable ones who are captivated by acts of kindness and generosity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us on the path of righteousness and enable us to be a source of goodness and compassion for others.