Hadith #2376

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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,

تَفَضَّلْ تُخْدَمْ واحْلُمْ (وَاعْلَمْ) تُقَدَّمْ۔

This can be translated as,

Do good [to people] and you will be served; be forbearing (or gain knowledge) and you will advance.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith in light of the Quran. The first important word in this Hadith is (tafaddal) "تَفَضَّلْ", which means to do good or to show kindness. It emphasizes the importance of performing acts of goodness and kindness towards others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to engage in acts of kindness in numerous verses of the Quran.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:195)

And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the significance of performing good deeds and how it is beloved to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing good, we not only benefit others but also earn the pleasure and love of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The second important word in the Hadith is (tukhdam) "تُخْدَمْ", which means to be served or to receive assistance. This word signifies that when we do good to others, we will be reciprocated with kindness and assistance from others. This concept is beautifully highlighted in the Quran in Surah Al-Isra, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 17:29-30)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent. Indeed, your Lord extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]. Indeed He is ever, concerning His servants, Acquainted and Seeing.

This verse teaches us that when we are generous and open-handed, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will bless us with His provisions and assistance. By doing good to others, we create a positive cycle of kindness and support in our lives.

The next part of the Hadith states, "واحْلُمْ (وَاعْلَمْ) تُقَدَّمْ۔" Here, the word (wahlim) "واحْلُمْ" can be translated as "be forbearing" or "be patient," while (wa'alam) "وَاعْلَمْ" means "gain knowledge." Both interpretations hold valuable lessons for us.

Being forbearing or patient is a quality highly praised in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran, (Quran 13:22)

And those who are patient, seeking the countenance of their Lord, and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided for them secretly and publicly and prevent evil with good - those will have the good consequence of [this] home.

This verse emphasizes the importance of patience and how it leads to a positive outcome in this life and the hereafter.

By being patient, we can overcome challenges, maintain our composure, and earn the respect and admiration of others. It allows us to handle difficult situations with grace and wisdom, leading to personal growth and success.

The alternative interpretation of (wahlim) "واحْلُمْ" as "gain knowledge" also aligns with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Zumar, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 47:19)

So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah and ask forgiveness for your sin and for the believing men and believing women. And Allah knows of your movement and your resting place.

By gaining knowledge, we equip ourselves with the tools to navigate through life's challenges and make informed decisions. It allows us to understand the world around us, seek the truth, and contribute positively to society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to do good, be patient, and seek knowledge. By engaging in acts of kindness, we create a positive cycle of goodness and receive assistance from others. By being patient, we develop resilience and earn the favor of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). And by seeking knowledge, we empower ourselves to make wise choices and contribute meaningfully to our communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these teachings and strive for excellence in our actions and character.