Hadith #8584

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

One of the signs of turning [towards Allah] is doing good to the people.

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

The word (istina'u) "اِصْطِناعُ" in the Hadith refers to the act of doing good or showing kindness. It signifies actively engaging in acts of benevolence, such as helping others, showing compassion, and practicing generosity. This word emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and actively seeking opportunities to benefit others.

The phrase (al-iqbal) "الإقْبالِ" in the Hadith refers to turning towards Allah, seeking His pleasure, and striving to attain His nearness. It implies a sincere and wholehearted commitment to the path of righteousness and spiritual growth. It encompasses all aspects of a person's life, including their actions, intentions, and beliefs.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. 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 emphasizes the importance of belief in Allah and the Hereafter, as well as the performance of righteous deeds. It highlights the significance of giving wealth to those in need, which is an act of kindness and a manifestation of turning towards Allah. By doing good to others, we demonstrate our sincerity and commitment to the path of righteousness.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80:

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 reflects the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and support in all our endeavors. By doing good to others, we strengthen our relationship with Allah and seek His assistance in our actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that doing good to others is not only a sign of turning towards Allah but also a means to attain His pleasure. When we engage in acts of kindness, we reflect the attributes of Allah, who is the Most Merciful and the Most Generous. By emulating these qualities, we draw closer to Him and increase our chances of attaining His nearness.

Moreover, doing good to others has far-reaching consequences. It not only benefits the individuals we help but also creates a ripple effect of positivity in society. When we extend a helping hand, we inspire others to do the same, creating a virtuous cycle of compassion and generosity. This fosters a sense of unity and harmony among Muslims and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Furthermore, doing good to others is a reflection of the knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He possessed profound knowledge of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), which guided his actions and decisions. His emphasis on doing good to others serves as a reminder for Muslims to align their actions with the teachings of Islam and to prioritize the welfare of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of doing good to others as a sign of turning towards Allah. It emphasizes the significance of actively engaging in acts of kindness and compassion, which not only benefit individuals but also contribute to the betterment of society. By emulating the attributes of Allah and following the teachings of Islam, we can strengthen our relationship with Him and strive towards attaining His pleasure. May Allah guide us all to be among those who actively seek opportunities to do good and turn towards Him.