Hadith #5246

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:

أحَقُّ مَنْ بَرِرْتَ مَنْ لايَغْفُلُ بِرَّكَ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of doing good to others and highlights that the most deserving of our kindness is the one who does not overlook or disregard our acts of goodness towards them.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this Hadith by examining its key words. The word (barirta) "بررتَ" is derived from the root word (bir) "بر", which means goodness, righteousness, or acts of kindness. It encompasses all forms of virtuous actions, including acts of charity, compassion, and benevolence. The word (layaghfulu) "لايَغْفُلُ" means to not overlook or disregard. It signifies the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the good that is done to us.

To further understand 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 teaches us that acts of goodness are not only pleasing to Allah, but they also bring about positive consequences in our lives. When we do good to others, we are not only benefiting them, but we are also purifying our own souls and earning the pleasure of Allah.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while not neglecting our responsibilities in this world. It encourages us to do good to others, just as Allah has done good to us. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards our fellow human beings, but we also strive to create a just and harmonious society.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that the act of doing good to others is not limited to mere gestures of kindness. It encompasses a broader concept of righteousness and virtuous behavior. The one who truly deserves our acts of goodness is the one who recognizes and appreciates them, rather than taking them for granted.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words hold great significance for Muslims. Through this Hadith, he reminds us to be mindful of the impact our actions have on others and to strive for sincerity and gratitude in our interactions. It encourages us to be conscious of the importance of reciprocating kindness and to value the efforts made by others to benefit us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of doing good to others and highlights that the most deserving of our kindness is the one who appreciates and acknowledges our acts of goodness. It reminds us to be mindful of the impact our actions have on others and to strive for sincerity and gratitude in our interactions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be among those who do good and grant us the ability to recognize and appreciate the good done to us.