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عَوِّدْ نَفْسَكَ فِعْلَ الْمَكارِمِ وتَحَمُّلَ أعْباءِ الْمَغارِمِ تَشْرُفْ نَفْسُكَ وَتُعْمَرْ آخِرَتُكَ ويَكْثُرْ حامِدُوكَ۔

Habituate yourself to [performing] noble deeds and bearing the burden of [others’] liabilities, [for through this] your soul will become honourable, your Hereafter will thrive and those who praise you will increase.

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Habituate yourself to [performing] noble deeds and bearing the burden of...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: The Soul And Holding It To Account)

Personal Reflection

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of habituating oneself to performing noble deeds and bearing the burdens of others' liabilities. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (habituate) "عَوِّدْ" in the Hadith refers to making something a regular practice or habit. It implies that one should consistently engage in noble actions and virtuous behavior. By doing so, we not only improve ourselves but also positively impact the society around us.

The term (noble deeds) "مَكَارِمِ" signifies actions that are morally excellent, honorable, and praiseworthy. These include acts of kindness, generosity, justice, and compassion. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to perform noble deeds in numerous verses of the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah says,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

Furthermore, the Hadith mentions (bearing the burden of others' liabilities) "تَحَمُّلَ أعْباءِ الْمَغَارِمِ". This phrase highlights the importance of taking responsibility for the difficulties and challenges faced by others. It urges us to support and assist those in need, alleviating their burdens and sharing their hardships. This concept is beautifully emphasized in the Quran in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), where Allah says,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then explains the profound consequences of habituating oneself to noble deeds and bearing the burdens of others. He states that by doing so, our soul will become honorable. This means that our character and inner self will be elevated, purified, and adorned with virtues. The Quran affirms this in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), where Allah says,

Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

Moreover, the Hadith highlights that habituating oneself to noble deeds and bearing the burdens of others will lead to the thriving of our Hereafter. This implies that our actions in this world have a direct impact on our eternal life in the Hereafter. Allah promises great rewards for those who engage in righteous deeds and fulfill their responsibilities towards others. In Surah Al-Hadid (57:12), Allah says,

On the Day you see the believing men and believing women, their light proceeding before them and on their right, [it will be said], 'Your good tidings today are [of] gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein you will abide eternally.' That is what is the great attainment.

Lastly, the Hadith mentions that those who praise us will increase. This refers to the increase in the number of people who recognize and appreciate our noble character and virtuous actions. When we consistently engage in noble deeds, we inspire others to do the same, creating a positive ripple effect in society. The Quran emphasizes the importance of being a positive influence on others in Surah Al-Imran (3:104), where Allah says,

Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong. And it is they who are the successful.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to habituate themselves to performing noble deeds and bearing the burdens of others' liabilities. By doing so, we not only improve ourselves but also contribute to the betterment of society. This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasize the importance of righteousness, compassion, and responsibility towards others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to habituate ourselves to noble deeds and may our souls thrive in this world and the Hereafter.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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