Hadith #5155

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الشَّرَفُ اِصْطِناعُ الْعَشيرَةِ" which translates to

Honour is doing good to one’s kinsfolk.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of maintaining strong bonds and treating our relatives with kindness and respect.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words. The word (honour) "شَّرَفُ" refers to a sense of dignity, respect, and nobility. It encompasses the idea of upholding moral values and displaying virtuous behavior. The term (doing good) "اِصْطِناعُ" implies actively engaging in acts of kindness, benevolence, and support towards one's kinsfolk. Finally, (kinsfolk) "الْعَشيرَةِ" refers to one's relatives, including immediate and extended family members.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of maintaining strong family ties and treating our relatives with kindness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nisa (4:36):

And worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.

This verse highlights the significance of treating our parents and relatives with kindness and respect. It encourages us to extend our acts of goodness not only to our immediate family but also to the wider circle of relatives, neighbors, and those in need. By doing so, we uphold the values of honor and righteousness that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasized in his Hadith.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24):

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'

These verses emphasize the importance of showing kindness and respect to our parents, who are among our closest kinsfolk. It teaches us to speak to them with gentleness and humility, even in moments of disagreement or difficulty. By treating our parents with honor and dignity, we fulfill the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and embody the values of this Hadith.

The exegesis of this Hadith goes beyond mere acts of kindness towards our kinsfolk. It encompasses a broader understanding of the consequences and reflection of our actions. When we honor our relatives and maintain strong family ties, we create a harmonious and loving environment within our families. This, in turn, fosters unity, support, and emotional well-being for all family members.

Moreover, by treating our kinsfolk with kindness, we set an example for others and inspire them to do the same. Our actions have a ripple effect, influencing the behavior and attitudes of those around us. When we prioritize the well-being of our relatives and actively engage in acts of goodness towards them, we contribute to the overall betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of honoring our kinsfolk by actively engaging in acts of kindness and support. This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of maintaining strong family ties and treating our relatives with respect and compassion. By embodying the values of this Hadith, we not only uphold the principles of honor and righteousness but also contribute to the well-being of our families and society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement these teachings in our lives.