Hadith #2380

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

جَمالُ الإحْسانِ تَرْكُ الإمْتِنانِ

which translates to,

The beauty of benevolence is [in] relinquishing obligation.

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

The word (ihsan) "إحْسان" in this Hadith refers to acts of kindness, goodness, and benevolence. It encompasses going above and beyond in one's actions, treating others with excellence, and fulfilling their rights. It is a quality that is highly praised in Islam, as it reflects the highest level of moral conduct.

The word (tarak) "تَرْكُ" means to abandon or relinquish. In the context of this Hadith, it refers to letting go of one's entitlement or expectation of reciprocation for acts of kindness. It is about performing acts of goodness without any ulterior motives or expecting anything in return.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 76:8-9)

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'

This verse emphasizes the concept of performing acts of kindness solely for the sake of Allah, without expecting any form of repayment or gratitude from others.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Insan, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the righteous believers, saying, (Quran 76:8-9)

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you seeking Allah's countenance only. We wish for no reward or thanks from you'

This verse highlights the selflessness of those who engage in acts of benevolence, seeking only the pleasure of Allah and not seeking any form of reward or gratitude from the recipients.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the beauty and excellence of performing acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. It encourages Muslims to go beyond fulfilling their obligations and to engage in acts of benevolence willingly and selflessly. By relinquishing the expectation of reciprocation, one's intentions become purer, and their actions become more sincere.

When we practice this principle in our lives, we cultivate a sense of selflessness and humility. We learn to prioritize the well-being of others over our own desires and expectations. This leads to the development of a compassionate and empathetic society, where individuals are motivated by the desire to serve and uplift others without seeking personal gain.

Furthermore, by relinquishing the need for reciprocation, we free ourselves from the chains of entitlement and ego. We detach ourselves from the materialistic mindset that seeks validation and recognition for our actions. Instead, we find contentment and fulfillment in knowing that we have pleased Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and have made a positive impact on the lives of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the beauty of benevolence lies in relinquishing obligation. It urges us to perform acts of kindness and goodness without expecting anything in return, seeking only the pleasure of Allah. By doing so, we develop a selfless and compassionate character, and we contribute to the creation of a harmonious and caring society. May Allah guide us all to embody the spirit of ihsan and to practice benevolence in our daily lives.