Hadith #2322

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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) states,

لَيْسَ مِنْ عادَةِ الكِرامِ تَأخيرُ الإنْعامِ

which translates to

It is not from the practice of the virtuous to delay the bestowal of favours.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the noble characteristic of generosity and highlights the importance of promptly fulfilling the needs of others.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "عادَةِ" refers to a customary practice or habit, while "الكِرامِ" refers to the virtuous and noble individuals who possess high moral qualities. "تَأخيرُ" means to delay or postpone, and "الإنْعامِ" refers to the bestowal of favors or blessings.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and promptness in fulfilling the needs of others. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (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 encourages Muslims to spend in the cause of Allah without delay, indicating that delaying acts of kindness can lead to harm and destruction.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah states, (5:1)

O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts. Lawful for you are the animals of grazing livestock except for that which is recited to you [in this Qur'an] - hunting not being permitted while you are in the state of ihram. Indeed, Allah ordains what He intends

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling contracts and obligations promptly, indicating that delaying the fulfillment of commitments is not in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. The virtuous and noble individuals, who possess the qualities of generosity and kindness, do not delay in bestowing favors upon others. They understand the urgency of fulfilling the needs of others and strive to promptly provide assistance and support.

By emphasizing the importance of promptly bestowing favors, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the positive impact such actions can have on individuals and society as a whole. When we promptly fulfill the needs of others, we create an environment of trust, compassion, and unity. Our actions inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of kindness and generosity.

On the other hand, delaying the bestowal of favors can lead to negative consequences. It can cause distress and hardship for those in need, and it may also tarnish our own reputation as individuals who are known for their virtuous qualities. Delaying acts of kindness can breed resentment and mistrust, ultimately weakening the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we should strive to embody the characteristics of the virtuous and noble individuals. Let us be prompt in fulfilling the needs of others, whether it be through financial assistance, emotional support, or any other form of help. By doing so, we uphold the teachings of the Quran and the noble example set by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that it is not the practice of the virtuous to delay the bestowal of favors. By promptly fulfilling the needs of others, we embody the qualities of generosity and kindness that are highly regarded in Islam. Let us strive to be among those who promptly bestow favors upon others, creating a society built on compassion, unity, and love. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in following the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Ahl al-Bayt.