Hadith #2283

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, and his noble companions.

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

أُبْذُلْ مَعْرُوفَكَ، وكُفَّ أذاكَ۔

This can be translated as

Extend your goodness and do no harm.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ubdul) "أُبْذُلْ" comes from the root word (badhala) "بَذَلَ", which means to extend, offer, or present. It implies going beyond the minimum requirement and willingly giving more than what is expected. It is a call to be generous, kind, and compassionate towards others. This word emphasizes the importance of selflessness and the act of giving without expecting anything in return.

The term (ma'rufak) "مَعْرُوفَكَ" is derived from the root word (ma'ruf) "مَعْرُوفٌ", which means goodness, righteousness, or acts of kindness. It refers to all the virtuous deeds that are recognized and accepted by society. It encompasses acts such as charity, helping the needy, showing kindness to others, and fulfilling one's obligations towards family, friends, and the community.

On the other hand, the phrase (wakuffa athaka) "وكُفَّ أذاكَ" means

and do no harm.

The word (kuffa) "كُفَّ" is derived from the root word (kaffa) "كَفَّ", which means to withhold or refrain from something. In this context, it signifies abstaining from causing harm, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions that may hurt or cause distress to others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 ayah highlights the importance of doing good to others, including parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It emphasizes the significance of extending kindness and fulfilling our obligations towards those in need. It is a reminder that our actions should be driven by compassion and a genuine desire to help others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Ayah 2, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of cooperating in acts of righteousness and piety. It encourages Muslims to come together and work towards the betterment of society. It also warns against cooperating in sin and aggression, highlighting the need to refrain from actions that may cause harm or lead to wrongdoing.

When we reflect upon the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see how it beautifully aligns with the teachings of the Quran. By extending our goodness, we are following the command of Allah to do good to others and fulfill our obligations towards them. This includes acts of charity, kindness, and fulfilling our responsibilities towards our families, friends, and the wider community.

Simultaneously, by refraining from causing harm, we are adhering to the Quranic command to avoid sin and aggression. This entails abstaining from actions that may hurt or cause distress to others, both physically and emotionally. It reminds us to be mindful of our words and actions, ensuring that they bring benefit and not harm to those around us.

The consequences of embodying this Hadith are profound. By extending our goodness, we create a positive impact on the lives of others and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. Our acts of kindness and compassion can bring solace to those in need, inspire others to do good, and foster a sense of unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

On the other hand, by refraining from causing harm, we protect the well-being and dignity of others. We prevent the spread of negativity and contribute to a peaceful and harmonious environment. Our actions become a reflection of our faith and a testament to the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Extend your goodness and do no harm

holds immense wisdom and guidance for Muslims. It urges us to go beyond the minimum requirement and willingly extend our kindness and compassion to others. Simultaneously, it reminds us to refrain from causing harm and to be mindful of our words and actions. By embodying this Hadith, we can create a positive impact on the lives of others, contribute to the betterment of society, and fulfill our obligations as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice this Hadith in our daily lives.