Hadith #2454

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

Whoever extends his benevolence [to others], the hearts become inclined towards him.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of performing acts of kindness and goodness towards others. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ma'rufahu) "مَعْرُوفَهُ" in the Hadith refers to acts of goodness, kindness, and benevolence. It encompasses all forms of virtuous deeds that benefit others, such as helping the needy, showing compassion, offering support, and spreading love and peace. This word highlights the significance of performing acts of goodness in our daily lives.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to engage in acts of kindness and benevolence in numerous verses of the Quran. For example, 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 the importance of giving wealth and helping those in need as a manifestation of righteousness.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:37), Allah states,

It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.

This verse teaches us that our acts of piety and righteousness are what truly matter to Allah, not superficial rituals. By extending our benevolence to others, we demonstrate our piety and righteousness, and our hearts become inclined towards Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes that when we extend our benevolence to others, their hearts become inclined towards us. This means that acts of kindness have a profound impact on human relationships. When we show compassion, help others, and spread goodness, we create a positive atmosphere of love, trust, and harmony. People are naturally drawn towards those who exhibit kindness and benevolence, and this fosters strong bonds of friendship and unity within the community.

The Quran also highlights the importance of building strong relationships based on kindness and benevolence. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts and maintaining harmonious relationships among believers. By extending our benevolence to others, we contribute to the unity and well-being of the Muslim community.

Moreover, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the profound impact our actions can have on others. When we perform acts of kindness, we not only benefit the recipients but also inspire others to follow suit. Our benevolence can serve as a motivation for others to engage in acts of goodness, creating a ripple effect of positive change in society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge, wisdom, and compassion. He exemplified the teachings of the Quran through his actions and interactions with others. His benevolence and kindness towards the people earned him their love, respect, and loyalty. By following his example and extending our benevolence to others, we can strengthen our relationships, foster unity within the Muslim community, and earn the love and inclination of people's hearts.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of extending our benevolence to others. By performing acts of goodness and kindness, we create a positive impact on human relationships, foster unity within the community, and inspire others to follow suit. Let us strive to embody the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) by spreading love, compassion, and peace in our interactions with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be people of benevolence and may our hearts be inclined towards Him.