Hadith #2301

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The greatest good deed is supporting one’s brothers [financially].

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of providing financial support to our fellow Muslims, especially in times of need. To understand the depth and significance of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith.

The word (ahsanu) "أحْسَنُ" in Arabic means "the best" or "the greatest." It signifies the highest level of excellence and superiority. In this context, it refers to the most virtuous and rewarding act of kindness.

The word (ihsan) "إحْسانِ" is derived from the root word (hasana) "حَسَنَ", which means "to do good" or

to excel in goodness.

It encompasses acts of kindness, charity, and benevolence towards others. In Islamic teachings, "ihsan" is regarded as the highest level of faith, where one worships Allah as if they see Him, and if they cannot see Him, they know that He sees them.

The word (muwasat) "مُواساةُ" comes from the root word (wasa) "وَاسَى", which means "to support" or "to assist." It implies providing help, aid, or assistance to others in various aspects of life, including financial support, emotional support, and physical assistance.

The word (al-ikhwan) "الإخْوانِ" refers to "the brothers" or "the brethren." In the context of this Hadith, it refers to fellow Muslims, highlighting the importance of supporting and assisting one another within the Muslim community.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of helping and supporting one another in various verses.

In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the exemplary behavior of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah) during the early days of Islam. Despite their own hardships and limited resources, the Ansar selflessly prioritized the needs of their fellow Muslims over their own.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah says,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] 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.

This verse emphasizes that true righteousness is not limited to performing rituals or outward displays of piety. It encompasses belief in Allah and His messengers, as well as the act of giving wealth to those in need, including relatives, orphans, and the needy.

These Quranic verses, along with numerous others, highlight the importance of supporting and assisting our fellow Muslims. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes this concept by specifically mentioning financial support as the greatest good deed.

By providing financial assistance to our brothers and sisters in need, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also strengthen the bonds of brotherhood within the Muslim community. This act of kindness has far-reaching consequences, as it alleviates the financial burdens of others, promotes social cohesion, and fosters a sense of unity and compassion.

Moreover, supporting one another financially reflects the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself. Known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was also renowned for his generosity and willingness to help those in need. His actions serve as a shining example for Muslims to follow, as he embodied the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in his daily life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the greatest good deed is to support our fellow Muslims, especially through financial means. This act of kindness is not only rewarded by Allah, but it also strengthens the bonds of brotherhood within the Muslim community. By following the teachings of the Quran and the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can strive to be compassionate, generous, and supportive towards one another, thereby fostering a society based on love, unity, and mutual assistance. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) enable us to embody these qualities and fulfill our duty towards our fellow Muslims.