Hadith #2471

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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,

One who accepts your good turn has humbled his prestige and honour before you.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the good deeds done by others. It highlights the significance of acknowledging and accepting the kindness and favors bestowed upon us by others, as it is a sign of humility and gratitude.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and concepts it presents. The word (ma'rufak) "مَعْرُوفَكَ" refers to a good turn or a favor done by someone. It encompasses any act of kindness, assistance, or support that one person extends to another. The word (adhall) "أذَلَّ" means to humble oneself or to lower one's prestige and honor. It implies that by accepting someone's good turn, a person acknowledges their own dependence and recognizes the superiority and generosity of the one who performed the act of kindness.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of gratitude and humility in various verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152), Allah says,

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse reminds us to be grateful to Allah for His countless blessings and favors upon us. Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse teaches us to seek Allah's help and guidance in all our affairs, acknowledging our dependence on Him.

Furthermore, the Quran also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the good deeds of others. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah mentions the story of the Israelites and how they were commanded to acknowledge the favors bestowed upon them. The verse states,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

From these Quranic verses, we can understand that accepting and acknowledging the good turns of others is not only a sign of humility but also a means of expressing gratitude to both Allah and the person who performed the act of kindness. By accepting someone's good turn, we recognize our own limitations and the fact that we are in need of assistance. This humility allows us to build stronger relationships, foster a sense of community, and promote a culture of gratitude and appreciation.

Moreover, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also highlights the importance of reciprocating kindness. When someone does a good turn for us, it is our duty to acknowledge and appreciate their efforts. This not only strengthens the bond between individuals but also encourages a cycle of kindness and generosity. By reciprocating acts of kindness, we create an environment where people are motivated to help and support one another, leading to a more harmonious and compassionate society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of accepting and acknowledging the good turns of others. It emphasizes the significance of humility, gratitude, and reciprocation. By recognizing and appreciating the kindness and favors bestowed upon us, we not only humble ourselves but also foster a culture of gratitude and compassion. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to recognize and appreciate the good turns of others and to reciprocate with kindness and generosity.