Hadith #9770

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

المَطَلُ والمَنُّ مُنَكِّدَا الإحْسانِ۔

This can be translated as,

Delay and obligation are the spoilers of [the] favor [one does to others].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The word (matl) "مَطَلُ" refers to delay or procrastination. It implies putting off or postponing an act of kindness or favor that one intends to do for others. On the other hand, (mann) "مَنُّ" refers to an obligation or a duty that one is bound to fulfill. It signifies a favor or act of kindness that is expected from someone due to their position or relationship.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our obligations and not delaying acts of kindness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 16:91)

And fulfill the covenant of Allah when you have taken it, and do not break oaths after their confirmation while you have made Allah a witness over you. Indeed, Allah knows what you do

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling our obligations and not breaking promises or oaths. It reminds us that Allah is aware of our actions, and we should strive to honor our commitments. Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:34)

And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned

These verses from the Quran emphasize the significance of fulfilling our obligations and commitments. They remind us that we will be held accountable for our actions and that it is essential to honor our promises and agreements. This aligns with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, where he warns against delaying or neglecting acts of kindness and fulfilling our obligations.

When we delay acts of kindness or fail to fulfill our obligations, we risk spoiling the favor we intended to do for others. Delaying a good deed can lead to missed opportunities, loss of blessings, and even the deterioration of relationships. It is important to remember that time is precious, and delaying acts of kindness can diminish their impact and significance.

Furthermore, fulfilling our obligations and promptly carrying out acts of kindness reflect our sincerity and integrity. It demonstrates our commitment to upholding the values of Islam and our dedication to serving others. By fulfilling our obligations and not delaying acts of kindness, we not only benefit others but also purify our souls and strengthen our relationship with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of not delaying acts of kindness and fulfilling our obligations. It warns against the negative consequences of procrastination and neglecting our duties. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive to be proactive in our actions, fulfill our commitments, and spread goodness in the world. May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt and enable us to be people of integrity and compassion.