Hadith #5320

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 بَذَلَ لَكَ جُهْدَ عِنايَتِهِ فَابْذُلْ لَهُ جُهْدَ شُكْرِكَ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of reciprocating the efforts made by others to show concern and care towards us. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (badhala) "بَذَلَ" in the Hadith means to make an effort or to exert oneself. It implies going above and beyond what is expected to show concern and care for someone. This word signifies the selflessness and dedication required to genuinely care for others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to make such efforts in numerous verses of the Quran. 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.

The word (juhd) "جُهْدَ" in the Hadith refers to the sincere efforts and hard work put forth by someone to show concern and care. It signifies the dedication and commitment required to go the extra mile for others. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises those who strive in His cause. In Surah Al-Hajj (22:78), Allah says,

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty.

The word (shukrika) "شُكْرِكَ" in the Hadith means gratitude or thankfulness. It is the act of acknowledging and appreciating the efforts made by others. Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of our faith, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes in the Quran. In Surah Ibrahim (14:7), 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of reciprocating the efforts made by others to show concern and care towards us. It reminds us to be grateful and appreciative of the kindness and support we receive from others. By reciprocating these efforts, we not only express our gratitude but also strengthen the bonds of love and unity within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to go beyond the minimum expectations and make sincere efforts to show concern and care for others. It reminds us that true compassion and empathy require us to exert ourselves and go the extra mile for the well-being of our fellow Muslims. By doing so, we embody the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of selflessness and kindness towards others.

The consequences of implementing this Hadith in our lives are profound. When we reciprocate the efforts made by others to show concern and care, we create a culture of gratitude and appreciation within our communities. This fosters an environment of love, support, and unity, where individuals feel valued and acknowledged for their efforts. Moreover, by going beyond the minimum expectations and making sincere efforts to show concern and care, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim ummah.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the exemplary character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His knowledge and wisdom were unparalleled, and he consistently demonstrated his concern and care for the Muslim community. He went to great lengths to ensure justice, equality, and the well-being of all Muslims. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) actions serve as a shining example for us to follow in our own lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of reciprocating the efforts made by others to show concern and care towards us. It calls upon us to make sincere efforts to show gratitude and appreciation for the kindness and support we receive. By embodying the teachings of the Quran and following the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can create a culture of love, support, and unity within the Muslim ummah. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement this Hadith in our lives and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among us.