Hadith #2416

Praise be to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), the Most Merciful and the Most Compassionate. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

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

في كُلِّ صَنيعَة اِمْتِنانٌ۔

This can be translated as,

In every good turn there is indebtedness.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (sani'ah) "صَنيعَة" in this Hadith refers to a good deed or an act of kindness. It encompasses any action that brings benefit or relief to others. It could be as simple as offering a helping hand, giving charity, or even offering a kind word to someone in need. Such acts of goodness are highly encouraged in Islam and are considered a means of attaining closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the concept of indebtedness in this Hadith, we need to reflect upon the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of gratitude and recognizing the blessings bestowed upon us. In Surah Ibrahim, verse 7, Allah says,

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of gratitude. When we acknowledge the good done to us, we are more likely to receive further blessings from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan, verse 3, Allah states,

Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.

This verse reminds us that gratitude is not only a means of receiving more blessings, but it is also a sign of guidance from Allah. When we express gratitude for the good turns done to us, we are acknowledging the guidance and mercy of Allah in our lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the concept of indebtedness that arises from acts of kindness. When someone does a good turn for us, we become indebted to them. This indebtedness is not just a material obligation, but it also carries a spiritual and moral responsibility. We are obliged to reciprocate the kindness shown to us and to express gratitude to both the person who performed the good turn and to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) who facilitated it.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our obligations and repaying our debts. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling our obligations, including repaying our debts and fulfilling our promises.

When we fail to acknowledge and repay the good turns done to us, we not only fall short in our moral and social responsibilities, but we also risk losing the blessings and guidance of Allah. In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 13, Allah warns,

So for their breaking of the covenant We cursed them and made their hearts hard. They distort words from their [proper] usages and have forgotten a portion of that of which they were reminded. And you will still observe deceit among them, except a few of them. But pardon them and overlook [their misdeeds]. Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see that it serves as a reminder for Muslims to be grateful for the good turns done to them and to fulfill their obligations towards others. It encourages us to be mindful of the blessings we receive and to express gratitude both to the individuals who perform acts of kindness and to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) who facilitates them. By doing so, we not only fulfill our moral and social responsibilities but also strengthen our relationship with Allah and increase our chances of receiving further blessings.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be grateful and fulfill our obligations towards others, and may He shower His blessings upon us all.