Hadith #2356

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous servants of Allah.

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

إذا صَنَعْتَ مَعْرُوفاً فَاسْتُرْهُ۔

This can be translated as:

When you perform a good turn then conceal it.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of concealing acts of kindness and good deeds.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (sanata) "صَنَعْتَ" is derived from the root word (sana'a) "صنع", which means to do or perform. It refers to any action or deed that a person carries out. The word (ma'rufan) "مَعْرُوفاً" comes from the root word (arafa) "عَرَفَ", which means to recognize or know. In this context, it refers to acts of goodness, kindness, and righteousness. Finally, the word (fasturhu) "فَاسْتُرْهُ" is derived from the root word (satar) "ستر", which means to conceal or cover. It signifies the act of hiding or keeping something hidden from the eyes of others.

To understand the significance of concealing good deeds, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (2:271)

If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you. And Allah will remove from you some of your misdeeds. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted.

This verse highlights the virtue of concealing acts of charity, as it not only preserves the sincerity of the act but also brings about the forgiveness of sins.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states: (5:2)

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and cooperating in acts of righteousness. However, it also reminds us to conceal our good deeds, as it is not appropriate to boast or seek recognition for them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to conceal their good deeds for several reasons. Firstly, concealing acts of kindness maintains the sincerity and purity of the action. When a good deed is done solely for the sake of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), without seeking any worldly recognition or reward, it becomes a means of spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.

Secondly, concealing good deeds protects against the dangers of arrogance and showing off. When a person openly displays their good deeds, there is a risk of developing pride and seeking validation from others. This can corrupt the intention behind the action and diminish its reward in the sight of Allah.

Thirdly, concealing good deeds allows for the preservation of humility and modesty. By keeping our acts of kindness hidden, we avoid drawing attention to ourselves and shift the focus towards the act itself and its impact on others. This humility is a quality that is highly valued in Islam and is exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

Lastly, concealing good deeds prevents jealousy and envy from arising in the hearts of others. When acts of kindness are kept private, there is no room for comparison or competition among individuals. This fosters a sense of unity and harmony within the Muslim community, as everyone is encouraged to focus on their own personal growth and relationship with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of concealing acts of kindness and good deeds. By doing so, we preserve the sincerity of our actions, protect against arrogance and showing off, maintain humility, and foster unity within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to practice this noble teaching in our lives.