Hadith #2487

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

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

One who does not show kindness [to others] in times of fortune will be abandoned in times of misfortune.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of displaying kindness and compassion towards others, especially during times of prosperity and success. It serves as a reminder that our actions and treatment of others have consequences, both in this world and the hereafter.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (yuhsin) "يُحْسِنْ" means to do good, to show kindness, or to excel in one's behavior. It encompasses acts of benevolence, generosity, and compassion towards others. The word (dawlatihi) "دَوْلَتِهِ" refers to times of fortune, prosperity, or success. It signifies a period of ease and abundance in one's life.

On the other hand, the word (khuzila) "خُذِلَ" means to be abandoned, forsaken, or left alone. It conveys the idea of being deprived of support or assistance. The word (nikbatihi) "نِكْبَتِهِ" refers to times of misfortune, adversity, or hardship. It represents a period of difficulty, trials, or tribulations.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of kindness, compassion, and good treatment towards others. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:195)

And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of goodness and encourages us to treat others with kindness, just as Allah treats us with kindness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah states, (17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent

This verse warns against being stingy or miserly, as it leads to a blameworthy and impoverished state. It reminds us that generosity and kindness are not only beneficial for others but also for ourselves, as they bring blessings and abundance into our lives.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a practical application of these Quranic teachings. It highlights the importance of consistently displaying kindness and compassion towards others, regardless of our own circumstances. When we are blessed with prosperity and success, it is crucial to share our blessings with others, to be generous, and to help those in need. By doing so, we create a positive and supportive environment, fostering unity and harmony within our communities.

Conversely, if we fail to show kindness during times of fortune, we risk being abandoned or left alone during times of misfortune. This abandonment may manifest in various forms, such as a lack of support from others, a loss of relationships, or a feeling of isolation. It is a consequence of our own actions and serves as a reminder that our behavior towards others has a direct impact on our own well-being.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see its relevance in various aspects of our lives. In our personal relationships, it reminds us to be kind and considerate towards our family, friends, and neighbors, even when things are going well for us. In our professional lives, it encourages us to be fair and just in our dealings with colleagues and subordinates, recognizing their contributions and supporting their growth. In our broader communities, it motivates us to be actively involved in charitable endeavors, volunteering our time and resources to uplift those in need.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of showing kindness and compassion towards others, particularly during times of prosperity. It highlights the reciprocal nature of goodness and warns against neglecting the needs of others. By embodying these teachings in our daily lives, we can create a more compassionate and supportive society, where individuals are not abandoned in times of misfortune but rather find solace and assistance from their fellow Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in practicing kindness and grant us His mercy and blessings.