Hadith #1830

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ بَذَلَ جاهَهُ اسْتَحْمَدَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who benefits others with his high rank makes himself praiseworthy.

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

The word (badhala) "بَذَلَ" means to expend, to spend, or to give away. It implies selflessness, generosity, and sacrifice. The word (jahahu) "جاهَهُ" refers to one's high rank, status, or position. It signifies the blessings, knowledge, or influence that an individual possesses. Finally, the word (istahmada) "استَحْمَدَ" means to praise or to commend oneself.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9),

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the virtue of selflessness and generosity. The believers in Al-Madinah showed immense love and support to the emigrants who sought refuge with them. They did not feel any envy or resentment towards the blessings bestowed upon the emigrants, but rather, they gave preference to them over themselves. This selflessness and sacrifice were highly praised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Similarly, in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the righteous believers, saying,

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

These verses emphasize the importance of using one's blessings and resources to benefit others without seeking any reward or recognition. The believers are motivated solely by their love for Allah and their desire to please Him. Their actions are driven by selflessness and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

In light of these Quranic teachings, we can understand the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The Imam is reminding us that when we utilize our high rank, knowledge, or blessings to benefit others, we not only fulfill our duty towards humanity but also earn praise and commendation for ourselves.

By selflessly sharing our knowledge, wealth, or influence, we uplift others and contribute to the betterment of society. Our actions reflect the teachings of Islam and the noble qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. Moreover, when we benefit others without seeking personal gain or recognition, we demonstrate humility and sincerity, which are highly regarded in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be selfless and generous in utilizing their blessings for the betterment of others. It encourages us to follow the examples set by the righteous believers mentioned in the Quran, who prioritized the needs of others over their own.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of using our high rank or blessings to benefit others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also earn praise and commendation for ourselves. Let us strive to embody the selflessness and generosity exemplified by the believers mentioned in the Quran, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.