Hadith #2521

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,

بِكَثْرَةِ الإفْضالِ يُعْرَفُ الكَريمُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the recognition of a noble person through their abundant favors and acts of kindness. Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a better understanding.

The word (ifdāl) "إفْضالِ" in this Hadith refers to the act of bestowing favors or blessings upon others. It signifies going above and beyond in acts of kindness and generosity. The word (yuʿrafu) "يُعْرَفُ" means to be recognized or known. And (alkarīm) "الكَريمُ" refers to a person of noble character and high moral standards.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177,

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East or the West, but 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; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights the importance of righteous actions and selfless giving. It emphasizes that true righteousness lies in believing in Allah and His messengers, fulfilling our obligations, and being charitable towards those in need. The recognition of a noble person is not based on their outward appearance or social status, but rather on their actions and the impact they have on the lives of others.

Another verse that resonates with the essence of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, where 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 reminds us to seek Allah's guidance and blessings in all our endeavors. It encourages us to strive for excellence and to be steadfast in our actions, knowing that our ultimate sustenance comes from Allah.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that a person's true nobility is not determined by their wealth, status, or lineage. Rather, it is their abundant acts of kindness, generosity, and selflessness that distinguish them as honorable individuals. When someone consistently bestows favors upon others, they become known and recognized for their noble character.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this quality through his vast knowledge, wisdom, and benevolence. His teachings and actions continue to inspire Muslims across the world. By following his example and striving to be munificent individuals, we can earn recognition and honor in the sight of Allah and our fellow believers.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be generous and kind-hearted, and may He bless us with the recognition of being among the noble ones. Ameen.