Hadith #2483

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

نِعْمَ زادُ المَعادِ الإحْسانُ إلَى العِبادِ۔

This can be translated as,

The best provision for the Hereafter is doing good to the people.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of kindness, benevolence, and compassion towards others as a means of preparing for the eternal life to come.

To fully comprehend the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (zadu) "زادُ" refers to provision or sustenance, while (al-ma'ad) "المَعادِ" refers to the Hereafter, the ultimate destination of every human being. (al-ihsan) "الإحْسانُ" denotes acts of goodness, excellence, and kindness, and (ila) "إلَى" means towards. Lastly, (al-ibad) "العِبادِ" refers to the servants of Allah, encompassing all human beings.

This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of good deeds and treating others with kindness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 83,

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 significance of doing good to others, including parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It emphasizes the importance of speaking kindly to people and maintaining good relations with them. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards fellow human beings but also strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Balad, Ayah 17-20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But he has not broken through the difficult pass. And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave or feeding on a day of severe hunger an orphan of near relationship or a needy person in misery.

These verses highlight the importance of acts of kindness and charity towards those in need. By freeing a slave, feeding the hungry, or helping those who are suffering, we are not only fulfilling our duty as Muslims but also preparing for the Hereafter. These actions are a means of attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and securing our provision for the eternal life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that our actions towards others have a direct impact on our spiritual journey and our ultimate destination. By doing good to the people, we are not only fulfilling our obligations as Muslims but also ensuring a prosperous Hereafter. Our acts of kindness and compassion towards others serve as a provision that will sustain us in the Hereafter, just as food sustains us in this worldly life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to prioritize acts of goodness and kindness towards others. By treating people with compassion, empathy, and respect, we not only fulfill our duty as servants of Allah but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. Our actions have a ripple effect, spreading positivity and goodness in the world.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize acts of kindness and goodness towards others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations as believers but also secure our provision for the Hereafter. Let us strive to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and make a conscious effort to do good to the people, for it is through these acts of kindness that we attain closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and ensure a prosperous eternal life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and enable us to be a source of goodness and compassion for others.