Hadith #2352

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "إنْ تَفَضَّلْتَ خُدِمْتَ۔" This can be translated into English as,

If you confer favours, you will be served.

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

The word (tafaddalt) "تَفَضَّلْتَ" in the Hadith means to show favor or kindness to others. It signifies going above and beyond in extending help, support, or any form of assistance to someone. This act of conferring favors is not limited to material possessions but also encompasses acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity towards others.

The word (khudimta) "خُدِمْتَ" in the Hadith refers to being served or assisted by others. It implies that when one selflessly serves and helps others, they will, in turn, receive assistance and support from those around them. This reciprocity highlights the interconnectedness of our actions and the impact they have on our relationships with others.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of showing kindness and favor to others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse encourages Muslims to spend in the way of Allah, which includes both material possessions and acts of kindness. By doing so, we not only benefit others but also earn the pleasure and love of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This love and pleasure of Allah manifest in various ways, including the support and assistance we receive from others when we are in need.

Another verse that supports the concept of conferring favors is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: 'My Lord! Cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit. And grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

In this verse, Prophet Musa (Moses) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is supplicating to Allah for assistance and support. By acknowledging his need for divine help, he humbles himself before Allah and seeks His favor. This serves as a reminder for us to recognize our dependence on Allah and to seek His assistance through acts of kindness and service to others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of selflessly serving others and conferring favors upon them. When we go out of our way to help and support others, we create a positive and harmonious environment where people are willing to reciprocate our kindness. This Hadith encourages us to break the cycle of selfishness and to foster a culture of generosity and compassion within our communities.

By conferring favors upon others, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also contribute to the betterment of society. Our actions have a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow suit and creating a virtuous cycle of kindness and service. Additionally, when we serve others sincerely, we develop a sense of humility and gratitude, recognizing that our abilities and resources are gifts from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of conferring favors upon others. By selflessly serving and helping those around us, we not only benefit them but also create an environment where we receive support and assistance when we are in need. This concept aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of acts of kindness and generosity. Let us strive to embody this noble trait and be a source of blessings and support for others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be the best versions of ourselves and grant us the ability to serve others with sincerity and love.