Hadith #5152

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

أفْضَلُ الشَّرَفِ بَذْلُ الإحْسانِ۔

This can be translated as,

The best honour is doing good to others.

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

The word (sharaf) "شَّرَفِ" in this Hadith refers to honor or dignity. It signifies a state of high esteem and respect. The word (bathl) "بَذْلُ" means to give or bestow. And (al-ihsan) "الإحْسانِ" refers to acts of kindness, goodness, and excellence.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of doing good to others in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the significance of spending in the way of Allah and doing good deeds. It is through acts of kindness and generosity that we attain honor and elevate our status in the sight of Allah. By helping others and spreading goodness, we not only benefit them but also enhance our own character and earn the pleasure of Allah.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Hajj (22:77). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good - that you may succeed.

This verse emphasizes the importance of combining acts of worship with acts of goodness. It reminds us that true success lies not only in fulfilling our religious obligations but also in actively engaging in acts of kindness and benevolence towards others. By doing so, we attain a higher level of honor and achieve success in both this world and the hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the greatest form of honor is not derived from wealth, power, or social status. Rather, it comes from selflessly giving and doing good to others. When we extend a helping hand, show compassion, and spread love and kindness, we elevate ourselves morally and spiritually.

By practicing the principle of (giving goodness) "بَذْلُ الإحْسانِ", we create a ripple effect of positivity and goodness in society. Our acts of kindness can inspire others to follow suit and contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious community. Moreover, the act of giving itself brings immense satisfaction and contentment to the giver, as it aligns with our innate nature to be generous and caring.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that true honor lies in selflessly serving others and spreading goodness. It is a call to action for Muslims to actively engage in acts of kindness, charity, and benevolence towards their fellow human beings. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as believers but also attain the highest form of honor in the sight of Allah.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to be among those who constantly do good and bring honor to themselves and their communities. And may He grant us the ability to embody the spirit of this Hadith in our daily lives.