Hadith #2306

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

أحْلىَ النَّوالِ بَذْلٌ بِغَيْرِ سُؤال۔

This can be translated as,

The most pleasing kindness is offering [something] without being asked [for it].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran. The first word we will explore is (nawal) "نَّوالِ", which refers to acts of kindness or generosity. It encompasses any act of giving, whether it be material possessions, time, or assistance. The word (badl) "بَذْلٌ" means to give or offer, and it emphasizes the act of giving without any expectation of reciprocation. Finally, (su'al) "سُؤال" refers to a request or demand for something.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can 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 giving and offering help to those in need, without any expectation of reward or recognition.

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

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking sustenance and blessings from Allah, rather than relying solely on our own efforts. When we offer kindness and generosity without being asked, we are demonstrating our trust and reliance on Allah's provision.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages us to go beyond the basic requirements of charity and extend our acts of kindness to those around us. It reminds us that the most pleasing form of generosity is when we offer help and support without waiting for someone to ask for it. This selfless act of giving not only benefits the recipient but also brings immense satisfaction and contentment to the giver.

When we offer assistance without being prompted, we are displaying a level of empathy and compassion that goes beyond mere obligation. We are actively seeking opportunities to alleviate the burdens of others and make a positive impact on their lives. This act of kindness can have profound consequences, as it fosters a sense of unity and community among Muslims.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder of the importance of selflessness and humility. By offering help without being asked, we are humbling ourselves and acknowledging that we are all interconnected and dependent on one another. This act of selflessness reflects the qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself, who was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the value of offering kindness and generosity without being prompted. It encourages us to go beyond the basic requirements of charity and extend our acts of kindness to those around us. By doing so, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's provision and foster a sense of unity and community among Muslims. May we all strive to embody this beautiful teaching and seek opportunities to offer kindness and support to others without being asked.