Hadith #3404

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ فَعَلَ الخَيْرَ فَبِنَفْسِهِ بَدَأ۔

This can be translated as,

One who does good has [actually] started with [gaining its benefit] himself.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (fa'ala) "فَعَلَ" means "to do" or "to perform." It encompasses any action that is done with intention and purpose. The word (al-khayr) "الخَيْرَ" refers to any act of goodness, righteousness, or virtue. It includes acts of charity, kindness, justice, and all other actions that are pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (bi-nafsihi) "بِنَفْسِهِ" means "for oneself" or "to oneself." It signifies that the one who performs good deeds is the first to benefit from them.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 197:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and seeking provisions for the Hereafter. It highlights that the best provision one can acquire is Taqwa, which is the consciousness and fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing good, one nurtures their own soul and strengthens their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Ayah 35, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed.

This verse encourages believers to fear Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seek His pleasure, and strive in His cause. By doing good deeds, one not only gains proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but also attains success in this life and the Hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that when we engage in acts of goodness, we are not only benefiting others but also benefiting ourselves. When we perform acts of charity, we experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from helping those in need. When we practice kindness and compassion, we cultivate a sense of empathy and understanding within ourselves. When we seek justice and stand up for what is right, we develop a strong moral character.

Moreover, the act of doing good also has a transformative effect on our own souls. It purifies our intentions, strengthens our faith, and increases our Taqwa. It brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and helps us attain spiritual growth. The more we engage in acts of goodness, the more we become inclined towards righteousness, and the more we distance ourselves from evil.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that when we perform acts of goodness, we are not only benefiting others but also benefiting ourselves. By doing good, we nurture our own souls, strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and attain success in this life and the Hereafter. Let us strive to be individuals who actively engage in acts of goodness, for in doing so, we are truly starting with ourselves. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to do good and bless us with the rewards of our righteous actions.