Hadith #2328

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

المعروف فضل، الكرم نبل

which translates to

Benevolence is merit, munificence is nobility.

This impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance and virtues of performing acts of kindness and generosity.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (al-ma'ruf) "المعروف" refers to acts of goodness, kindness, and righteousness. It encompasses all actions that are recognized as virtuous and beneficial to others. (fadl) "فضل" refers to merit, excellence, or virtue. It signifies the inherent value and reward associated with performing acts of goodness. (al-karam) "الكرم" refers to generosity, magnanimity, and benevolence. It represents the noble quality of being selflessly giving and helping others. (noble) "نبل" refers to nobility, honor, and distinction. It signifies the elevated status and dignity that comes with practicing acts of munificence.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

Righteousness is not 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 the importance of performing acts of goodness and charity, which are the essence of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the righteous, 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 sincerity of those who engage in acts of benevolence and generosity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that performing acts of goodness and kindness not only bring merit and excellence to our character but also elevate our status and honor. When we engage in acts of benevolence, we not only benefit others but also purify our own souls and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The rewards for such actions are not limited to this world but extend to the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified these qualities of benevolence and munificence throughout his life. His knowledge, wisdom, and generosity are well-known among Muslims. He would often give away his wealth and possessions to those in need, without expecting anything in return. His actions were driven by his love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and his desire to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to strive for excellence in their character by engaging in acts of goodness and generosity. By practicing benevolence and munificence, we not only earn merit and honor in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also contribute to the betterment of society. Let us emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to be people of benevolence and munificence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to perform acts of goodness and may He grant us the honor and nobility associated with such actions.