Hadith #9189

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

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

الكريم من بدأ بإحسانه

which translates to

A noble-minded person is one who initiates his act of kindness [before it is requested of him].

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtue of initiating acts of kindness and generosity without waiting for a request or expectation from others.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by exploring the key words and their meanings. The word (al-karim) "الكريم" refers to a person who possesses noble qualities, such as generosity, kindness, and magnanimity. It is a characteristic that reflects the highest moral and ethical standards. The word (bada'a) "بدأ" means to initiate or start something. And (ihsan) "إحسانه" refers to acts of goodness, kindness, and excellence.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of initiating acts of kindness and generosity. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] 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 that true righteousness lies in believing in Allah and His teachings, and then acting upon that belief by giving generously to those in need. It encourages Muslims to initiate acts of kindness and charity, without waiting for others to ask for help. This aligns perfectly with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), as it emphasizes the virtue of initiating acts of kindness before they are requested.

Another Quranic verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the righteous believers, saying,

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

These verses highlight the selflessness and generosity of the believers who give food to those in need, without expecting anything in return. They initiate acts of kindness solely for the sake of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), without seeking any reward or gratitude from the recipients. This exemplifies the noble-mindedness mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us that a noble-minded person is one who takes the initiative to do good and show kindness to others, without waiting for a request or expectation. It encourages us to be proactive in our acts of kindness, seeking opportunities to help and serve others. By doing so, we embody the true essence of Islam, which is rooted in compassion, generosity, and selflessness.

Initiating acts of kindness can have profound effects on both the giver and the recipient. It creates a ripple effect of positivity and spreads love and compassion in society. When we initiate acts of kindness, we inspire others to do the same, creating a cycle of goodness that benefits the entire community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to cultivate the quality of noble-mindedness within ourselves. We should seek opportunities to initiate acts of kindness, whether it is by offering a helping hand, giving charity, or simply showing compassion and empathy towards others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the noble qualities mentioned in this Hadith and inspire us to initiate acts of kindness and generosity. May He bless us with the strength and motivation to be proactive in our efforts to serve and uplift humanity. Ameen.