Hadith #2284

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أحْسِنْ يُحْسَنْ إلَيْكَ۔" This can be translated as,

Be good [to others] and good will be done to you.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith by analyzing its key words. The word (ahsin) "أحْسِنْ" means to do good, to excel in goodness, or to act in the best manner. It encompasses acts of kindness, compassion, generosity, and justice. The word (yuh-san) "يُحْسَنْ" is derived from the same root and means that good will be done to you in return.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of doing good deeds and treating others with kindness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83, Allah says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the obligation to do good to one's parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It also emphasizes the importance of speaking good words to people. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duties towards others but also earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2, Allah says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse encourages Muslims to cooperate in acts of righteousness and piety, which includes treating others with kindness and doing good to them.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) echoes these Quranic teachings. It reminds us that our actions have consequences and that the way we treat others will ultimately determine how we are treated in return. When we strive to be good to others, we create an atmosphere of kindness and compassion, which in turn invites goodness into our own lives.

For example, if we are kind and generous towards those in need, we may find that others are more willing to help us in our times of need. If we speak good words and treat others with respect, we may find that people respond to us in a similar manner. This principle applies to all aspects of our lives, whether it be our interactions with family, friends, colleagues, or even strangers.

Moreover, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of his immense knowledge and wisdom. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep understanding of the Quran and his ability to extract profound meanings from its verses. This Hadith reflects his comprehensive knowledge of the Quranic teachings on kindness, justice, and the consequences of our actions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "أحْسِنْ يُحْسَنْ إلَيْكَ۔" urges Muslims to be good to others, knowing that goodness will be reciprocated. It aligns with the Quranic teachings on kindness, compassion, and the importance of doing good deeds. By embodying this principle in our lives, we can create a harmonious and virtuous society, where acts of goodness are rewarded and negativity is replaced with positivity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow this noble teaching and grant us the ability to be good to others.