Hadith #2289

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

اِغْتَنِمْ صَنايِعَ الإحْسانِ، وَارْعَ ذِمَمَ الإخْوانِ۔

This can be translated as,

Seize the opportunity to perform righteous deeds and be careful of your obligations towards your brothers.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (Ightanim) "اِغْتَنِمْ" means to seize or take advantage of something. It implies the urgency and importance of not wasting any opportunity to engage in acts of goodness and righteousness. (Sanai'a) "صَنايِعَ" refers to righteous deeds or acts of kindness. It encompasses all actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and beneficial to others. (Al-Ihsan) "الإحْسانِ" refers to excellence or perfection in one's actions, going beyond the minimum requirements and striving for the best.

The phrase (War'a dhimma) "وَارْعَ ذِمَمَ" means to be careful or mindful of one's obligations. (Dhimma) "ذِمَمَ" refers to the responsibilities and duties that we have towards our fellow Muslims. It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our obligations towards our brothers and sisters in faith, treating them with kindness, respect, and fulfilling our promises and commitments.

To 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 seizing the opportunity to perform righteous deeds, such as spending in the way of Allah, and not wasting our resources. It reminds us that Allah loves those who engage in acts of goodness and excellence.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling our obligations towards our brothers and sisters in faith. It encourages us to cooperate in acts of righteousness and piety, supporting and assisting one another in the path of goodness. It also warns against cooperating in sin and aggression, reminding us to be mindful of our responsibilities towards others.

Reflecting on the exegesis of this Hadith, we understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to seize every opportunity to engage in acts of righteousness and kindness. He emphasizes the importance of not wasting any chance to do good, as these actions bring us closer to Allah and earn His pleasure.

Additionally, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be mindful of our obligations towards our fellow Muslims. This includes fulfilling our promises, treating others with kindness and respect, and supporting one another in acts of righteousness. By doing so, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community.

The consequences of following this Hadith are profound. By seizing every opportunity to perform righteous deeds, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of society. Our actions inspire others and create a positive ripple effect, spreading goodness and kindness. Similarly, by fulfilling our obligations towards our brothers and sisters in faith, we foster a sense of unity and support within the Muslim community, creating a strong and cohesive society.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to seize every opportunity to engage in acts of righteousness and kindness. It emphasizes the importance of not wasting any chance to do good and to be mindful of our obligations towards our fellow Muslims. By following this advice, we can strive for excellence in our actions, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives.