Hadith #2403

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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,

صَنايِعُ المَعْرُوفِ تُدِرُّ النَّعْماءَ، وتَدْفَعُ البَلاءَ۔

This can be translated as,

Performing benevolent actions causes the abundant flow of blessings and wards off calamity.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word "صَنايِعُ" refers to acts of goodness and righteousness. It encompasses all forms of virtuous deeds, such as acts of charity, kindness, justice, and compassion. These acts are not only limited to individuals but also extend to society as a whole.

The term "المَعْرُوفِ" signifies actions that are recognized and accepted as good and virtuous by both religious and societal norms. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to moral values and ethics that are universally recognized as righteous. By engaging in such acts, Muslims have the opportunity to manifest their faith through their actions and contribute positively to the well-being of society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that these "صَنايِعُ المَعْرُوفِ" result in the "تُدِرُّ النَّعْماءَ" - the abundant flow of blessings. This means that when Muslims engage in acts of goodness and righteousness, they open the doors for Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) blessings to pour upon them. These blessings can manifest in various forms, including spiritual, material, and emotional well-being. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rewards those who strive to do good and grants them blessings in this world and the hereafter.

The second part of the Hadith states that performing benevolent actions also "تَدْفَعُ البَلاءَ" - wards off calamity. This means that acts of goodness and righteousness act as a shield against adversity and misfortune. When Muslims consistently engage in acts of kindness and righteousness, they create a protective barrier around themselves and their communities. This shield helps to repel calamities and hardships that may come their way.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah and doing good deeds, as they are beloved to Him. It implies that engaging in acts of goodness not only brings blessings but also protects us from harm.

Another verse that supports this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hajj (22:40), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Those who have been evicted from their homes without right - only because they say, 'Our Lord is Allah.' And were it not that Allah checks the people, some by means of others, there would have been demolished monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah is much mentioned. And Allah will surely support those who support Him. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.

This verse highlights the importance of supporting the cause of Allah and doing good, as it brings divine support and protection.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that performing acts of goodness and righteousness not only brings an abundant flow of blessings but also acts as a shield against calamity. By engaging in acts of charity, kindness, justice, and compassion, Muslims can manifest their faith and contribute positively to society. These acts of benevolence not only bring blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also protect us from adversity and misfortune. Let us strive to embody these teachings in our daily lives and be a source of goodness and righteousness for ourselves and others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform "صَنايِعُ المَعْرُوفِ" and shower us with His abundant blessings.