Hadith #7718

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The worst action is that which destroys the good turn [that is done to others].

This amazing Hadith emphasizes the importance of preserving and valuing the good deeds and acts of kindness that we do for others.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words used. The word (sharr) "شَرُّ" translates to "worst" or "evil." It refers to actions or deeds that have negative consequences or harm others. The word (af'al) "أفْعالِ" means "actions" or "deeds." And the phrase (ma hadama al-sani'ah) "ما هَدَمَ الصَّنِيعَةَ" can be translated as

that which destroys the good turn.

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

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse highlights the importance of not being miserly or withholding acts of kindness. It reminds us that we should not let our own desires or fears prevent us from doing good to others.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 267:

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse encourages us to give from the best of what we have and not to give away something that is defective or of lesser value. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the integrity and quality of our acts of kindness.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, is reminding us that the worst actions are those that nullify or undermine the good deeds we have done for others. This can occur when we follow up a good deed with a harmful or hurtful action, thereby erasing the positive impact of our initial act of kindness.

For example, if we help someone in need by providing them with financial assistance, but then later spread rumors or gossip about them, our initial act of kindness is negated. Similarly, if we offer our support and guidance to someone, but then later betray their trust or abandon them in their time of need, our good turn is destroyed.

The consequences of destroying the good turn are twofold. Firstly, it diminishes the positive impact of our actions and tarnishes our reputation as Muslims. People may become hesitant to accept our help or trust us in the future, knowing that we are capable of undoing the good we have done. Secondly, it incurs the displeasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), as He values sincerity and consistency in our actions. Destroying the good turn goes against the principles of kindness, compassion, and integrity that Islam promotes.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to be mindful of our actions and their consequences. We must be consistent in our behavior, ensuring that our actions align with the values and teachings of Islam. By preserving and valuing the good turns we do for others, we not only benefit those around us but also strengthen our own character and relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to always uphold the good turns we do for others and protect us from actions that destroy the positive impact of our deeds. Ameen.