Hadith #10691

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 (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

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

أحْسَنُ النّاسِ ذِماماً أحْسَنُهُمْ إسْلاماً۔

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the rights of others and highlights that those who excel in this aspect are the best in their practice of Islam.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (ahsanu) "أحْسَنُ" means "the best" or "excellence." It signifies the highest level of goodness and righteousness. (annas) "النّاسِ" refers to people or individuals. (dhimaman) "ذِماماً" can be translated as

in fulfilling the rights

or "in meeting obligations." It encompasses the responsibilities and duties that we owe to others. Lastly, (Islam) "إسْلاماً" refers to the complete submission to the will of Allah and the adherence to the teachings of Islam.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that the best among us are not determined by our lineage, wealth, or social status, but rather by our righteousness and piety. It is through fulfilling the rights of others that we demonstrate our true devotion to Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

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.

This verse highlights that true righteousness lies in faith and the actions that stem from it. It is not merely about performing rituals or outward displays of piety, but rather about fulfilling the rights of others and actively contributing to the welfare of society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that our Islam is incomplete if we neglect the rights of others. It encourages us to embody the teachings of Islam by treating others with kindness, compassion, and justice. By fulfilling the rights of others, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community and contribute to the overall well-being of society.

For example, fulfilling the rights of our parents is a fundamental obligation in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24),

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'

This verse highlights the importance of honoring and respecting our parents, even in their old age. It teaches us to fulfill their rights by treating them with kindness, patience, and gratitude. By doing so, we not only fulfill our Islamic obligations but also contribute to the well-being and happiness of our parents.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true excellence in Islam lies in fulfilling the rights of others. It emphasizes that those who excel in fulfilling these rights are the best in their practice of Islam. By looking to the Quran for guidance, we understand that true righteousness is not limited to rituals and beliefs alone but extends to our interactions with others. By fulfilling the rights of others, we strengthen our faith, build harmonious relationships, and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to fulfill the rights of others and strive for excellence in our practice of Islam.