Hadith #386

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the concept of Allah's special servants who are blessed with favors and blessings. The Arabic word (ni'am) "نِعَمِ" refers to blessings or favors, while (manafi') "مَنَافِعِ" means benefits or advantages. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) explains that Allah has chosen certain individuals to be the recipients of these blessings, and they are entrusted with these favors for the benefit of others.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah says, (57:23)

And whatever you have of favor - it is from Allah

This verse emphasizes that all blessings and favors come from Allah alone. He is the ultimate source of all good, and He bestows His favors upon His servants as a means of testing them and as a means of benefiting others through them.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (17:77)

And your Lord is the Free of need, the possessor of mercy. If He wills, He can do away with you and give succession after you to whomever He wills, just as He produced you from the descendants of another people

This verse highlights Allah's power and authority to bestow His favors upon whomever He chooses. He can change the course of blessings and transfer them from one group of people to another based on their actions and intentions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that when these chosen individuals fulfill their duty of sharing these blessings with others, Allah continues to entrust them with more favors. However, if they deny others access to these blessings and become selfish, Allah takes away these favors from them and redirects them towards others who are more deserving.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be grateful for the blessings they receive from Allah and to use them for the benefit of others. It teaches us the importance of generosity, selflessness, and the proper utilization of our resources. By sharing our blessings with those in need, we not only fulfill our duty as Allah's chosen servants but also ensure the continuous flow of blessings in our lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to reflect on our actions and intentions. Are we using the blessings bestowed upon us to uplift others and make a positive impact in society? Or are we hoarding them for our own selfish desires? The consequences of our choices are clear - if we deny others access to these blessings, Allah will take them away from us and give them to those who will fulfill their duty of sharing.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to strive for righteousness and to be mindful of their actions. By being conscious of our responsibilities towards others and by actively seeking opportunities to benefit those around us, we can ensure that we remain among Allah's chosen servants who are entrusted with His favors.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sheds light on the concept of Allah's chosen servants who are blessed with favors for the benefit of others. It emphasizes the importance of sharing these blessings and warns against selfishness and denial of others' rights. By reflecting on this Hadith and aligning our actions with its teachings, we can strive to be among those who are entrusted with Allah's favors and blessings. May Allah guide us all to be selfless and generous, and may He continue to shower His blessings upon us.