Hadith #2457

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

مَنْ أحْسَنَ إلَى النّاسِ اسْتَدامَ مِنْهُمُ المَحَبَّةَ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of treating people with kindness and goodness. The word (ahsan) "أحْسَنَ" means to do good or to excel in goodness. The word (ila) "إلَى" means towards, indicating that this goodness should be directed towards others. The word (annas) "النّاسِ" refers to people in general, encompassing all individuals.

This Hadith highlights the long-lasting impact of performing acts of kindness towards others. When we treat people with goodness, it not only creates a positive impression but also fosters love and affection in their hearts. The phrase (istadama minhumu al-mahabbah) "استَدامَ مِنْهُمُ المَحَبَّةَ" means that the love and affection of the people towards the one who does good to them endures and remains constant.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of knowing and understanding one another as a means to foster unity and harmony among people. By treating others with kindness and goodness, we not only fulfill our duty towards our fellow human beings but also strive towards righteousness in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 importance of doing good to others, including relatives, orphans, and the needy. It also emphasizes the significance of speaking good words to people. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards others but also strengthen the bonds of love and compassion within society.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the profound impact our actions can have on others. When we consistently treat people with kindness and goodness, we create an environment of love and affection. This love is not temporary but endures and remains constant. It is through our actions that we can build bridges of understanding and unity among people.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep knowledge and understanding of the teachings of Islam allowed him to embody this principle in his own life. He was known for his compassion, generosity, and fairness towards all, regardless of their background or beliefs. His actions and teachings continue to inspire Muslims to follow in his footsteps and strive for excellence in their interactions with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of treating people with kindness and goodness. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards our fellow human beings but also foster love and affection in their hearts. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of knowing one another, doing good to others, and speaking good words. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody this noble principle in our lives and strengthen the bonds of love and unity among all Muslims.