Hadith #10713

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 pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

خَيْرُ النّاسِ مَنْ نَفَعَ النَّاسَ۔

This translates to,

The best person is one who benefits the people.

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

The word (khayr) "خَيْرُ" in this Hadith refers to goodness, excellence, and virtue. It encompasses all that is beneficial, righteous, and praiseworthy. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of doing good deeds in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195, Allah says,

And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the significance of performing acts of kindness and benefiting others.

The word (nafa'a) "نَفَعَ" in the Hadith means to benefit, assist, or bring advantage to others. It implies going beyond oneself and actively contributing to the well-being and welfare of society. The Quran encourages Muslims to engage in acts of charity and service to others. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah says,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] 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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of benefiting others as a criterion for measuring one's goodness. It reminds us that true excellence lies in selflessly serving and helping our fellow human beings. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of selflessness, compassion, and generosity.

When we benefit others, we contribute to the betterment of society and fulfill our duty as Muslims. Our actions have a ripple effect, inspiring others to do good and creating a positive impact on the world around us. By helping those in need, we emulate the noble qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who dedicated their lives to serving humanity.

Furthermore, the Hadith encourages us to reflect on our intentions and motivations. When we seek to benefit others solely for the sake of Allah, we purify our intentions and elevate our actions. Allah says in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 54,

O you who have believed, whoever of you should revert from his religion - Allah will bring forth [in place of them] a people He will love and who will love Him [who are] humble toward the believers, powerful against the disbelievers; they strive in the cause of Allah and do not fear the blame of a critic. That is the favor of Allah; He bestows it upon whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best person is one who benefits others. It reminds us of the importance of selflessness, compassion, and service to humanity. By engaging in acts of kindness and helping those in need, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to benefit others and be counted among the best of people.