Hadith #2480

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَعَ الإحْسانِ تَكُونُ الرَّفْعَةُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

With goodness [to others], there is loftiness.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (ihsan) "إحْسان" refers to acts of goodness, kindness, and excellence towards others. It encompasses going above and beyond in our actions, treating others with compassion, and striving to benefit them in the best possible way. (raf'ah) "الرَّفْعَة" refers to elevation, honor, and dignity. It signifies a state of being elevated in the eyes of Allah and in the eyes of others.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and support in all our actions. When we perform acts of goodness with sincerity and seek Allah's pleasure, we are granted a firm and dignified position in this world and the hereafter.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of ihsan in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

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

This verse encourages us to spend in the way of Allah and to engage in acts of goodness. By doing so, we not only benefit others but also earn the love and pleasure of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that by embodying ihsan in our interactions with others, we attain a state of elevation and honor. When we consistently practice kindness, compassion, and excellence, we become individuals who are respected and admired by others. Our actions reflect the beauty of Islam and serve as a means of inviting others towards the path of righteousness.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a motivation for us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. Whether it is in our relationships, our work, or our worship, we should always aim to go above and beyond what is expected of us. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations but also exceed them, thereby attaining a higher level of spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.

The consequences of embodying this Hadith are far-reaching. When we consistently practice ihsan, we create a positive impact on society. Our acts of goodness inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of kindness and compassion. Additionally, by treating others with excellence, we foster harmonious relationships and build a strong sense of community. This, in turn, leads to a more peaceful and prosperous society.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His unparalleled knowledge, wisdom, and exemplary conduct serve as a shining example for all Muslims. He dedicated his life to the service of Allah and the betterment of humanity, embodying the essence of ihsan in every aspect of his existence.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of ihsan and its connection to attaining loftiness and honor. By practicing acts of goodness towards others, we elevate ourselves in the eyes of Allah and in the eyes of our fellow human beings. Let us strive to embody this Hadith in our daily lives, seeking to excel in our actions and treating others with kindness and compassion. May Allah grant us the ability to practice ihsan and attain the loftiness that comes with it.