Hadith #2423

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of continuously showing kindness and generosity to others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the guarantee of continued affluence and capability lies in following up one favor with another favor. This Hadith highlights the significance of reciprocating acts of kindness and goodness, and it serves as a reminder for Muslims to consistently engage in acts of benevolence towards others.

The Arabic word (kaafilu) "كافِلُ" in the Hadith means "guarantee" or "assurance." It signifies the certainty and reliability of the outcome mentioned in the Hadith. The word (dawaam) "دَوامِ" means "continuity" or "permanence." It implies that the guarantee of affluence and capability will be sustained over time.

The word (al-ghina) "الْغِنى" refers to "affluence" or "wealth." It encompasses both material and spiritual prosperity. It signifies a state of contentment and sufficiency in all aspects of life. The word (al-imkaan) "الإمكانِ" means "capability" or "power." It refers to the ability to achieve and accomplish goals and objectives.

The phrase (ittibaau al-ihsaan al-ihsaan) "اتِّباعُ الإحْسانِ الإحْسانَ" translates to

following up one favor with another favor.

It emphasizes the importance of reciprocating acts of kindness and goodness. It encourages Muslims to go beyond the minimum requirements of benevolence and to continuously engage in acts of generosity and compassion towards others.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of kindness, generosity, and the rewards associated with them. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:13), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

So for their breaking of the covenant We cursed them and made their hearts hard. They distort words from their [proper] usages and have forgotten a portion of that of which they were reminded. And you will still observe deceit among them, except a few of them. But pardon them and overlook [their misdeeds]. Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

These verses from the Quran highlight the significance of performing acts of goodness and kindness. They emphasize the importance of showing generosity and compassion towards others, even in the face of adversity or when dealing with those who may not reciprocate the same level of kindness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further expands on this concept by emphasizing the guarantee of continued affluence and capability that comes from consistently engaging in acts of kindness and benevolence. By following up one favor with another favor, Muslims not only fulfill their obligations towards others but also ensure the perpetuation of blessings and prosperity in their own lives.

This Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to actively seek opportunities to help and support others. By doing so, they not only benefit the recipients of their kindness but also create a positive cycle of goodness and blessings in their own lives. The act of continuously showing kindness and generosity becomes a source of personal growth, spiritual fulfillment, and increased blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of continuously engaging in acts of kindness and generosity. By following up one favor with another favor, Muslims guarantee the perpetuation of blessings, affluence, and capability in their lives. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the significance of performing acts of goodness and kindness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and continuously engage in acts of kindness and benevolence towards others.