Hadith #2311

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtue of gratitude and the responsibility that comes with being blessed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the most deserving person to bestow favors upon others is the one who has been blessed abundantly by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (awla) "أوْلَى" means "the most deserving" or "the closest." It signifies the superiority of a certain individual in a particular context. In this Hadith, it refers to the person who is most deserving of bestowing favors upon others. The word (annas) "النّاسِ" means "people" or "human beings." It encompasses all individuals, regardless of their social status, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. The word (bil-in'am) "بِالإنْعامِ" means "bestowing favors" or "granting blessings." It refers to the act of giving generously and selflessly to others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the one who has been bestowed with numerous favors from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the most deserving to bestow favors upon others. This highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the blessings we receive from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and using them to benefit others. Gratitude and generosity are intertwined virtues that go hand in hand.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Ibrahim (14:34),

And He gave you of all that you asked Him for. And if you count the blessings of Allah, never will you be able to count them. Indeed, mankind is most unjust and ungrateful.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the ultimate source of all blessings and favors. He grants us what we ask for and even more, without us being able to fully comprehend or enumerate them. However, despite the abundance of blessings, human beings often fall into the trap of ingratitude and injustice.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to break free from this cycle of ingratitude and instead become the ones who bestow favors upon others. By recognizing the blessings we have received and using them to benefit others, we fulfill our duty as grateful servants of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Insan (76:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, this is for you a reward, and your effort has been appreciated.

This verse reminds us that the rewards and blessings we receive from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are a result of our efforts and actions. When we use the blessings bestowed upon us to benefit others, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) appreciates our efforts and rewards us accordingly. By being grateful and generous, we not only fulfill our responsibilities towards others but also earn the pleasure and rewards of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of gratitude and generosity in our lives. We should strive to recognize and appreciate the blessings we have been granted by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and utilize them to benefit others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as grateful servants but also contribute to the betterment of society and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be grateful and generous, and may He bless us with the opportunity to bestow favors upon others.