Hadith #9904

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مَنْ مَنَّ بِمَعْرُوفِهِ فَقَدْ كَدَّرَ ما صَنَعَهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

One who puts obligation with his goodness has spoilt the good act that he has done.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word (man) "مَنَّ" refers to the one who associates or combines something with another. (ma'rufihi) "مَعْرُوفِهِ" means goodness or righteousness. (kaddara) "كَدَّرَ" means to spoil or ruin, and (ma sanaha) "مَا صَنَعَهُ" refers to the good act that has been done.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 264:

O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day.

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity in our acts of goodness. When we perform a good deed, it should be solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to seek His pleasure. However, if we attach obligations or expectations to our acts of goodness, such as seeking recognition or praise from others, we diminish the purity and sincerity of our actions.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept mentioned in the Hadith is Surah Al-Ma'un, verses 4-7:

So woe to those who pray [but] who are heedless of their prayer - those who make show [of their deeds] and withhold [simple] assistance.

These verses emphasize the importance of performing acts of goodness with sincerity and without any ulterior motives. When we combine obligations or expectations with our acts of goodness, we risk diluting the true essence of those actions. It is essential to remember that our intentions and sincerity are what truly matter in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, is reminding us through this Hadith that attaching obligations or seeking personal gains in our acts of goodness tarnishes the purity and sincerity of those actions. When we perform acts of goodness, whether it is charity, helping others, or any other righteous deed, we should do so solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and with a pure heart.

By doing so, we ensure that our actions are not tainted by worldly desires or seeking validation from others. Our focus should be on pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone, and we should strive to purify our intentions and remove any attachments or expectations from our acts of goodness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for us as Muslims to perform acts of goodness with sincerity and purity of intention. We should strive to detach ourselves from seeking recognition or personal gains in our righteous deeds. By doing so, we preserve the true essence of our actions and ensure that they are solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to purify our intentions and perform acts of goodness solely for His pleasure.