Hadith #867

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of selflessness and preferring others over oneself in maintaining strong and harmonious relationships. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (pleased) "رَضَا", (his friend) "صَدِيقِهِ", (prefers him over himself) "إيثارِهِ", and (resentful) "سَخَطُهُ".

The word (pleased) "رَضَا" refers to being content, satisfied, and pleased with someone's actions or behavior. It implies a state of inner peace and harmony in a relationship. The word (his friend) "صَدِيقِهِ" refers to a companion, a close associate, or someone with whom one shares a bond of friendship and trust.

The phrase (prefers him over himself) "إيثارِهِ" signifies an act of selflessness and putting the needs and desires of others before one's own. It involves sacrificing personal interests and desires for the sake of the well-being and happiness of others. This act of selflessness is a manifestation of true love and compassion.

The word (resentful) "سَخَطُهُ" refers to a state of displeasure, anger, or resentment. It indicates the negative consequences that arise when one fails to prioritize the happiness and well-being of their friend over their own desires and interests.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of selflessness, kindness, and preferring others in various verses.

In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the exemplary behavior of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah). They preferred the needs of the Muhajirun over their own, even though they themselves were in need. This selflessness and generosity were praised by Allah, and it serves as a profound example for all Muslims.

In Surah Al-Insan (76:9), Allah describes the righteous believers, saying,

They give food to the poor, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse highlights the selfless act of feeding the needy without seeking any reward or gratitude. It emphasizes the importance of performing acts of kindness solely for the sake of Allah, without expecting anything in return.

Reflecting on these Quranic verses, we can understand that selflessness and preferring others over oneself are qualities highly regarded in Islam. When we prioritize the well-being and happiness of our friends and loved ones, we create an environment of love, trust, and harmony. By doing so, we strengthen our relationships and foster a sense of unity within the Muslim community.

Conversely, failing to prioritize the needs of others can lead to resentment and discord. When we become consumed by our own desires and interests, we neglect the feelings and well-being of those around us. This can result in strained relationships, animosity, and a breakdown of trust.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of selflessness in maintaining healthy relationships. His words serve as a reminder for Muslims to constantly strive to prioritize the happiness and well-being of others over their own desires and interests.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of selflessness and preferring others over oneself. It urges us to cultivate a spirit of selflessness in our relationships, thereby fostering love, trust, and harmony within the Muslim community. By embodying these qualities, we can create a society that is characterized by compassion, empathy, and unity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice selflessness and prioritize the well-being of others.