Hadith #2428

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, "مَنْ تَفَضَّلَ خُدِمَ۔" which translates to

One who bestows goodness [to others] is served [by them].

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the principle of reciprocity and the importance of treating others with kindness and generosity.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The word (tafaddala) "تَفَضَّلَ" comes from the root word (faddala) "فَضَّلَ", which means to excel, to surpass, or to bestow favor. It implies going above and beyond in acts of goodness towards others. The word (khudima) "خُدِمَ" is derived from the root word (khadama) "خَدَمَ", which means to serve or to be of service. It signifies the reciprocation of goodness by those who have been treated kindly.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 31:12)

And whoever is grateful, he is only grateful for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever denies [His favor] - then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy

This verse emphasizes the concept of reciprocity, as gratitude towards Allah's blessings benefits oneself. Similarly, when we bestow goodness upon others, it ultimately benefits us as well.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent

This verse advises us against being miserly or excessively generous. It encourages a balanced approach, where we neither withhold our assistance nor go to extremes in our acts of kindness.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, reminds us that when we go above and beyond in bestowing goodness upon others, we create a ripple effect of positivity. By serving others, we not only fulfill their needs but also inspire them to reciprocate the kindness. This reciprocity fosters a harmonious and compassionate society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the importance of intention in our actions. When we genuinely seek to benefit others without expecting anything in return, we attract the blessings and assistance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our selfless acts of goodness become a means of attaining His pleasure and earning His rewards.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences. When we choose to bestow goodness upon others, we create a positive impact not only on their lives but also on our own. Our kindness and generosity can lead to the formation of strong bonds, the cultivation of trust, and the establishment of a supportive community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of going above and beyond in bestowing goodness upon others. It reminds us that when we serve others with sincerity and selflessness, we create a ripple effect of positivity that benefits both the giver and the receiver. Let us strive to embody this principle in our daily lives, treating others with kindness, generosity, and compassion. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to bestow goodness upon others and be recipients of their kindness.