Hadith #2345

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

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

المَعْرُوفُ أنْمى زَرْع وأفْضَلُ كَنْز۔

This can be translated as:

Benevolence is the most thriving cultivation and the best treasure.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. "المَعْرُوفُ" refers to acts of kindness, goodness, and righteousness. It encompasses all actions that are recognized as virtuous and beneficial in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). "أنْمى" means to flourish, grow, or thrive, particularly in the context of cultivation. It signifies the abundant growth and prosperity that results from engaging in acts of benevolence. "زَرْع" refers to cultivation or planting, indicating that benevolence is like sowing seeds that yield fruitful outcomes. "أفْضَلُ" means the best or the most excellent, emphasizing the superiority of benevolence. "كَنْز" refers to treasure, highlighting the immense value and worth of benevolent actions.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195):

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah and engaging in acts of goodness. It encourages Muslims to be generous and benevolent, highlighting the positive impact such actions have on individuals and society as a whole. By practicing benevolence, one not only benefits others but also cultivates personal growth and prosperity.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.

This verse further emphasizes the concept of benevolence and its rewards. Allah promises to multiply the rewards for those who engage in acts of charity and loan Him a goodly loan. This multiplication signifies the flourishing and thriving nature of benevolence, where the initial act of kindness is multiplied manifold in terms of reward and blessings.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we can understand that benevolence is not only a virtuous act but also a means of personal and spiritual growth. Just as a farmer sows seeds and reaps a bountiful harvest, engaging in acts of kindness and righteousness yields abundant rewards and blessings from Allah. These rewards may manifest in various forms, including increased provision, protection from harm, and a noble status in the sight of Allah.

Moreover, benevolence has a transformative effect on individuals and society. When Muslims embody the values of compassion, generosity, and selflessness, they contribute to the betterment of their communities and the establishment of a just and harmonious society. By practicing benevolence, Muslims become agents of positive change, spreading goodness and creating a ripple effect of kindness that inspires others to follow suit.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the immense value and significance of benevolence. It highlights the thriving and flourishing nature of acts of kindness, likening them to a fruitful cultivation and the best treasure. By engaging in acts of benevolence, Muslims not only fulfill their duty towards Allah and their fellow human beings but also experience personal growth and prosperity. May Allah enable us to embody the spirit of benevolence and cultivate a society rooted in compassion and righteousness.