Hadith #2533

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,

أرْبَحُ البَضايِعِ اِصْطِناعُ الصَّنايِعِ

which translates to

The most profitable wares are the rendering of benevolent actions.

This Hadith highlights the immense value and reward that lies in performing acts of kindness and benevolence.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (bada'i) "بَضايِعِ" refers to merchandise or goods that are traded or exchanged. It signifies the various actions and deeds that we engage in throughout our lives. On the other hand, (istina'u) "اِصْطِناعُ" means to produce or manufacture, while (sana'i) "الصَّنايِعِ" refers to crafts or skills. These words emphasize the importance of actively engaging in virtuous actions and utilizing our skills and abilities to benefit others.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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 utilize their resources and abilities to benefit others, just as the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the profitability of rendering benevolent actions. By engaging in acts of kindness, we not only benefit others but also earn the pleasure and love of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 18:

Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.

This verse highlights the concept of giving in the way of Allah as a form of investment. Just as merchants seek profitable wares, believers are encouraged to engage in acts of charity and benevolence, which will be multiplied and rewarded generously by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This aligns perfectly with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith under discussion.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that it serves as a reminder for Muslims to actively engage in acts of kindness and benevolence. It encourages us to utilize our skills and resources to benefit others and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Just as merchants seek profitable trades, we should strive to engage in actions that bring about positive change in society and earn us immense rewards in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, and this Hadith is a testament to his understanding of the importance of benevolent actions. As Muslims, we should strive to follow in his footsteps and actively engage in acts of kindness, knowing that they are the most profitable wares in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to render benevolent actions and earn His pleasure.