Hadith #9733

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

لاتَكْمُلُ المُرُوَّةُ إلاّ بِاحْتِمالِ جِناياتِ المَعْرُوفِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Magnanimity is not completed except by bearing the hardships of good acts.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words and their transliterations. The word (murwah) "مُرُوَّةُ" refers to magnanimity, nobility, or generosity. It encompasses the qualities of patience, endurance, and tolerance in the face of difficulties. The word (ihtimal) "احْتِمالِ" means to bear or endure, and (jinayat) "جِناياتِ" refers to hardships or burdens. Finally, (al-ma'ruf) "المَعْرُوفِ" signifies good acts or righteous deeds.

In order to further comprehend the impactful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286, (2:286)

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse emphasizes that Allah, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, does not place upon us burdens that are beyond our capabilities. It reassures us that we have the strength and capacity to bear the difficulties that come with performing good deeds.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Insan, verse 7, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (76:7-9)

They fulfill their vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread. And they give food in spite of love for it 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 highlights the noble actions of those who bear the hardships of good acts, such as feeding the needy, orphans, and captives, solely for the sake of Allah. They do not seek any reward or gratitude from others, but rather, they endure the challenges that come with such acts of kindness out of their love and devotion to Allah.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith itself. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that true magnanimity or nobility is not achieved merely by performing good acts, but by enduring the hardships and challenges that accompany them. It is easy to engage in acts of kindness when they are convenient or when they bring immediate benefits or recognition. However, true magnanimity lies in persisting in doing good even when it becomes difficult or burdensome.

For example, imagine a person who regularly volunteers at a local charity. Initially, they may find joy and fulfillment in their service, but over time, they may encounter challenges such as fatigue, lack of resources, or even criticism from others. It is in these moments that true magnanimity is tested. Will they continue to bear the hardships and persevere in their good acts, or will they give up?

By enduring the difficulties that come with performing good acts, we develop patience, resilience, and a deeper sense of devotion to Allah. We learn to rely on Him for strength and guidance, knowing that He does not burden us beyond our capacity. Our sincerity and commitment to righteousness are strengthened, as we realize that our actions are not driven by external rewards or recognition, but by our love for Allah and our desire to please Him.

Furthermore, the consequences of bearing the hardships of good acts are manifold. Firstly, it elevates our spiritual status and brings us closer to Allah. As we persevere in doing good, we cultivate a stronger connection with our Creator and experience the blessings and tranquility that come from fulfilling His commands.

Secondly, our example inspires and motivates others to engage in acts of kindness and righteousness. When they witness our dedication and resilience, they are encouraged to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of goodness in society. Our actions become a means of spreading positivity and uplifting those around us.

Lastly, by bearing the hardships of good acts, we purify our intentions and detach ourselves from worldly desires. We learn to seek the pleasure of Allah alone, without expecting any material or social rewards. This detachment frees us from the shackles of ego and materialism, allowing us to focus on the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true magnanimity is not achieved solely through performing good acts, but by enduring the hardships and challenges that come with them. By bearing these burdens with patience and perseverance, we strengthen our faith, inspire others, and purify our intentions. Let us strive to embody the spirit of this Hadith in our lives, and may Allah grant us the strength and steadfastness to bear the hardships of good acts.