Hadith #2462

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

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

Whoever accepts a good turn has made the one who rendered it to him his master.

This impactful Hadith holds deep wisdom and guidance for all Muslims. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (ma'rufan) "مَعْرُوفاً", which can be translated as a "good turn" or a "kind act." It refers to any act of goodness, kindness, or favor that is done towards someone. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of accepting and acknowledging such acts of kindness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 16:97)

And whoever does a good deed - male or female - and is a believer, We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.

This verse highlights the immense value of performing good deeds and the promise of a good life in this world and the reward in the Hereafter. When someone performs a good deed towards us, accepting it with gratitude and recognizing the kindness is a way of acknowledging the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that by accepting a good turn, we make the one who rendered it our master. This does not mean that we become subservient to them in a negative sense, but rather it signifies the recognition and appreciation of their kindness. It is a way of acknowledging their superiority in terms of their noble character and their ability to perform acts of goodness.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the importance of recognizing and appreciating the favors and blessings of others. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:23)

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.

This verse highlights the significance of treating our parents with kindness and respect, acknowledging the favors they have done for us. Similarly, when someone performs a good deed towards us, accepting it with gratitude and recognizing their kindness is a way of fulfilling the command of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to treat others with goodness and honor.

By accepting a good turn, we also create a positive cycle of kindness and gratitude. When we acknowledge and appreciate the good deeds of others, it motivates them to continue performing acts of kindness. This Hadith encourages us to be mindful of the impact our actions have on others and to reciprocate kindness with gratitude and appreciation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of accepting and acknowledging acts of kindness. By doing so, we recognize the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fulfill the command to treat others with goodness and honor. It also creates a positive cycle of kindness and gratitude, fostering a harmonious and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to always appreciate and reciprocate acts of goodness, and may He bless us with the ability to perform good deeds for others.