Hadith #9215

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights two contrasting sources of happiness. It states that the happiness of noble-minded individuals lies in giving generously, while the joy of the wicked is derived from seeking revenge and inflicting harm upon others.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (masarra) "مَسَرَّةُ" refers to happiness or joy, while (alkiram) "الكِرامِ" refers to noble-minded people who possess virtuous qualities such as generosity, kindness, and compassion. On the other hand, (alliam) "اللِّئامِ" refers to the wicked or those who lack moral integrity and engage in harmful actions.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtues of generosity, kindness, and selflessness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:57)

And spend of that with which We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, 'My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous'

This verse highlights the importance of giving generously and engaging in acts of charity before it is too late.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah states, (17:26)

And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully

This verse emphasizes the obligation to fulfill the rights of others, particularly those who are in need. It encourages Muslims to be mindful of their spending and to avoid extravagance. By doing so, they can experience the true happiness that comes from helping others and fulfilling their responsibilities.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize acts of kindness and generosity. It highlights the inherent joy that noble-minded individuals experience when they give selflessly to others. The act of giving not only benefits the recipient but also brings immense satisfaction and contentment to the giver.

Conversely, the Hadith also sheds light on the misguided happiness of the wicked, who find joy in seeking revenge and inflicting harm upon others. Islam strongly condemns such behavior and encourages Muslims to seek forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice instead. Allah says in Surah Al-Ma'idah, (5:45)

And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the wrongdoers

This verse reminds Muslims to uphold justice and fairness in their interactions with others, rather than resorting to revenge or harmful actions.

The consequences of following the path of generosity and kindness, as highlighted in the Hadith, are profound. When noble-minded individuals give generously, they not only bring happiness to others but also strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community. Their actions serve as a source of inspiration for others, encouraging them to emulate their virtuous behavior.

On the other hand, the consequences of seeking revenge and inflicting harm are detrimental. Such actions perpetuate a cycle of hatred and animosity, leading to division and discord within society. The wicked may experience temporary satisfaction, but their joy is short-lived and ultimately leads to their own spiritual and moral degradation.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of embodying the qualities of generosity, kindness, and compassion in their daily lives. By doing so, they can experience true happiness and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the ability to give generously and seek forgiveness rather than revenge.