Hadith #2422

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

Doing a lot of good turns raises one’s honour and makes gratitude last.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (sanāʿah) "صَنَاعَة" in the Hadith refers to "good turns" or "good deeds." It encompasses all acts of righteousness and kindness that a person does for the sake of Allah. These acts can include acts of charity, helping others, showing kindness, and fulfilling one's obligations towards Allah and His creation.

The word (sharaf) "شَرَف" in the Hadith means "honor" or "dignity." It refers to the elevated status and respect that a person attains as a result of their good deeds. When a person consistently engages in acts of righteousness, they are recognized and esteemed by others for their noble character and virtuous actions. This honor is not limited to worldly recognition but extends to the spiritual realm as well.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of good deeds and their impact on a person's honor in several verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you

This verse highlights that true honor and nobility lie in righteousness and piety. It is through good deeds that a person's status is elevated in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (17:80)

And say, 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority'

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's support and guidance in all our endeavors. When we engage in good deeds, we are seeking the support and assistance of Allah, which ultimately leads to an increase in our honor and dignity.

The Hadith also highlights the importance of gratitude. The word (shukr) "شُكْر" in the Hadith refers to gratitude or thankfulness. When a person consistently engages in good deeds, they develop a sense of gratitude towards Allah for the blessings and opportunities to do good that He has bestowed upon them. This gratitude becomes a lasting quality within them, shaping their character and actions.

In the Quran, Allah repeatedly emphasizes the importance of gratitude. In Surah Ibrahim, Allah says, (14:7)

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe'

This verse highlights that gratitude leads to an increase in blessings and favors from Allah. When we are grateful for the opportunities to do good, Allah blesses us with more opportunities and rewards.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that consistently engaging in good deeds not only raises our honor and dignity in the eyes of others but also in the sight of Allah. It is through our righteous actions that we attain true nobility and recognition. Moreover, these good deeds cultivate within us a sense of gratitude, which becomes a lasting quality that shapes our character and actions.

Therefore, as Muslims, we should strive to engage in numerous good deeds, seeking to raise our honor and dignity in the sight of Allah and to develop a lasting sense of gratitude. By doing so, we not only benefit ourselves but also inspire others to follow the path of righteousness and goodness. May Allah grant us the ability to consistently engage in good deeds and to be grateful for His blessings.