Hadith #1530

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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Cheerfulness renders goodness without any expense.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the virtue of being cheerful and its impact on our actions and interactions with others. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (bushr) "بِشْر" in Arabic refers to cheerfulness, joy, and a positive disposition. It encompasses a state of happiness and contentment that radiates from within. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of this quality as it has the power to bring about goodness and positivity in our lives and the lives of those around us.

The phrase (isda' al-sani'ah) "إسْداءُ الصَّنيعَةِ" can be translated as "renders goodness" or

brings about acts of kindness.

It signifies the positive impact that cheerfulness can have on our actions and the way we treat others. When we are cheerful, we are more likely to engage in acts of kindness and generosity without any hesitation or reluctance.

The phrase (bi ghayr mu'nah) "بِغَيْرِ مَؤُنَة" means "without any expense" or "without any cost." It highlights the fact that cheerfulness does not require any material or financial resources. It is a quality that can be cultivated within ourselves and shared freely with others, without any burden or cost.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive and cheerful disposition. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77),

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse encourages us to do good and seek the rewards of the Hereafter, while also reminding us not to neglect our responsibilities and duties in this world. It reminds us to maintain a positive outlook and engage in acts of kindness and goodness, just as Allah has bestowed His blessings upon us.

Another verse that aligns with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us of the temporary nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of focusing on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. It encourages us to engage in acts of kindness and goodness, as they hold true value and have a lasting impact beyond the transient nature of this world.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that cheerfulness is not merely a superficial display of happiness, but rather a deep-rooted quality that stems from a content heart. It is a disposition that enables us to engage in acts of kindness and goodness without any expectation of reward or recognition.

When we are cheerful, we uplift the spirits of those around us, spreading positivity and creating an environment of love and compassion. Our cheerful demeanor can inspire others to engage in acts of kindness and goodness as well, creating a ripple effect of positivity in our communities.

Furthermore, being cheerful in the face of challenges and difficulties is a testament to our faith and trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) plan for us. It allows us to navigate through life's trials with resilience and grace, knowing that our ultimate reward lies with Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound impact of cheerfulness in our lives and the lives of others. It reminds us to cultivate a positive disposition and engage in acts of kindness and goodness without any expectation of reward. Let us strive to embody this beautiful quality and spread cheerfulness in our interactions, for it is through this that we can bring about goodness and create a more harmonious and compassionate society.