Hadith #9735

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the qualities that demonstrate the magnanimity of a person. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (murawah) "مُرُوَّةِ". It refers to magnanimity, generosity, and nobility of character. It encompasses the virtues of kindness, benevolence, and selflessness. This quality is not merely limited to material acts of charity but extends to the spreading of goodness in all aspects of life.

The next word is (bath) "بَثِّ" which means spreading or disseminating. It implies that a person's magnanimity is demonstrated by actively and willingly sharing goodness with others. This could include acts of kindness, offering assistance, and promoting righteousness in society. It is a proactive approach that seeks to uplift others and contribute to their well-being.

The third word is (ihsan) "الإحْسانِ" which translates to granting favors or doing good. It signifies going beyond the basic requirements of justice and fulfilling the needs and desires of others to the best of one's ability. It encompasses acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity that are done sincerely and selflessly, without expecting anything in return.

The final word is (imtinan) "الاِمْتِنانِ" which means obligation or indebtedness. It refers to the act of putting others under obligation or burdening them with favors. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to abandon this practice, as true magnanimity lies in spreading goodness without expecting reciprocation or creating a sense of indebtedness in others.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah and doing good deeds. It encourages Muslims to be generous and benevolent, spreading goodness in society. By doing so, we not only benefit others but also earn the love and pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Balad (90:11-16):

But he has not broken through the difficult pass. And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave. Or feeding on a day of severe hunger. An orphan of near relationship. Or a needy person in misery.

These verses highlight the importance of acts of kindness and generosity towards those in need. They demonstrate that true magnanimity lies in helping the less fortunate, providing for their basic needs, and alleviating their suffering. By doing so, we fulfill our duty as Muslims and exemplify the teachings of the Quran.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to adopt a mindset of spreading goodness, granting favors, and avoiding the imposition of obligations on others. It encourages us to be proactive in our pursuit of righteousness and to actively contribute to the betterment of society.

By embodying these qualities, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also inspire others to follow in our footsteps. Our actions have the power to motivate positive change and create a ripple effect of goodness in the world. Moreover, by abandoning the expectation of reciprocation, we purify our intentions and seek only the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to embody the qualities of magnanimity, generosity, and selflessness. It encourages us to actively spread goodness, grant favors, and avoid imposing obligations on others. By doing so, we fulfill our duty as believers and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice these virtues and earn His pleasure.