Hadith #2347

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:

المعروف يكدره تكرار المن به

which translates to

A benevolent act is sullied by repeatedly putting one under obligation through it.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of performing acts of kindness without seeking any form of repayment or recognition.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words and their implications. The term (al-ma'ruf) "المعروف" refers to acts of kindness, goodness, and benevolence. It encompasses any action that brings benefit or relief to others. The word (yukaddiruhu) "يكدره" means to tarnish or spoil, while (takrar) "تكرار" means repetition or continuous occurrence. Lastly, (al-mann) "المن" refers to the act of bestowing favors or blessings upon someone.

Now, let us delve into the Quranic verses that shed light on the significance of performing acts of kindness without seeking any form of repayment or recognition. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:272):

Not upon you, [O Muhammad], is [responsibility for] their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever good you [believers] spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the countenance of Allah. And whatever you spend of good - it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.

This verse emphasizes that acts of kindness and charity should be performed solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and not for any worldly gain. When one repeatedly reminds others of the favors they have done, it diminishes the purity and sincerity of their good deeds. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us that He is the ultimate rewarder and will fully repay our acts of goodness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan (76:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

They give food, despite their own need, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse exemplifies the selflessness and sincerity with which acts of kindness should be performed. The believers mentioned in this verse provide food to those in need without expecting anything in return. Their intention is solely to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to fulfill their duty towards their fellow human beings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to perform acts of kindness without seeking any form of repayment or recognition. When we repeatedly remind others of the favors we have done for them, it can create a sense of obligation and diminish the purity of our intentions. True benevolence lies in performing acts of kindness solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), without any expectation of worldly gain or gratitude from others.

By practicing this principle, we cultivate humility, sincerity, and selflessness in our actions. We become more focused on pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure rather than seeking validation or praise from others. Our acts of kindness become a means of purifying our souls and drawing closer to our Creator.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of performing acts of kindness without seeking any form of repayment or recognition. We should strive to emulate the selflessness and sincerity of the believers mentioned in the Quranic verses, who perform acts of goodness solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we purify our intentions, strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and become a source of blessings and mercy for those around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform acts of kindness with sincerity and humility.