Hadith #2511

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

لا يُحْمَدُ إلاّ مَنْ بَذَلَ إحْسانَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

None is praised except the one who shows his kindness.

In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of kindness and its connection to being deserving of praise.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (yuḥmadu) "يُحْمَدُ" comes from the root word (hamd) "حَمْد", which means praise or commendation. It refers to the act of expressing gratitude and appreciation for someone's good qualities or actions. The word (ihsanahu) "إحْسانَهُ" is derived from the root word (hasana) "حَسَنَ", which means to do good or to excel in goodness. It encompasses acts of kindness, benevolence, and excellence in one's conduct.

To understand the significance of kindness and its connection to praise, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 importance of spending in the way of Allah and doing good deeds, which includes acts of kindness. Allah loves those who perform acts of goodness and kindness, and they are deserving of praise.

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

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 emphasizes the need for seeking Allah's guidance and support in all our endeavors. When we show kindness and perform acts of goodness, we are seeking Allah's pleasure and relying on His sustaining power. This reliance on Allah and the desire to please Him are praiseworthy qualities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us that true praise is reserved for those who consistently demonstrate kindness and benevolence. It is not enough to merely possess knowledge or engage in acts of worship; one must also embody kindness and compassion in their interactions with others. This Hadith serves as a reminder that true praise is earned through the consistent practice of kindness and goodness.

When we reflect on this Hadith, we realize that kindness is not just a superficial act, but a way of life. It is a reflection of our character and a manifestation of our faith. When we show kindness to others, we not only bring joy and comfort to their lives but also strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. Kindness has the power to transform relationships, heal wounds, and bring about positive change in society.

Moreover, the consequences of kindness are far-reaching. When we consistently practice kindness, we inspire others to do the same. Our acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, influencing others to follow in our footsteps and spread goodness in their own lives. By embodying the values of kindness and compassion, we become beacons of light in a world that often seems dark and divided.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true praise is reserved for those who consistently demonstrate kindness and goodness. It is not enough to possess knowledge or engage in acts of worship; we must also embody kindness and compassion in our interactions with others. By practicing kindness, we seek Allah's pleasure and strive to make a positive impact on the world around us. Let us strive to be among those who are deserving of praise by showing kindness and spreading goodness in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be people of kindness and grant us the ability to earn His praise.