Hadith #2495

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of consistently performing good deeds and acts of kindness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, advises Muslims not to hold back from doing good turns and favors. By doing so, one can maintain and enhance their ability to continue performing acts of goodness.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words used. The word (tamtaniana) "تَمْتَنِعَنَّ" means to hold back or refrain from something. In this context, it refers to refraining from performing good deeds and acts of kindness. The word (fi'l) "فِعْلِ" means action or deed, and (al-ma'ruf) "المَعْرُوفِ" refers to good and virtuous actions that are recognized and encouraged in Islam. Similarly, (al-ihsan) "الإحْسانِ" refers to acts of kindness and going above and beyond what is expected.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195:

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the importance of spending in the way of Allah and not holding back from doing good. It reminds Muslims that by refraining from performing good deeds, they may be causing harm to themselves and missing out on the blessings and rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) loves those who consistently do good and are not hesitant in their actions.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83:

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of doing good to various groups of people, including parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It emphasizes the significance of performing acts of kindness and maintaining a positive and benevolent attitude towards others. By doing so, one fulfills their obligations towards fellow human beings and strengthens their ability to continue doing good.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to consistently engage in acts of goodness and kindness. By refraining from holding back, one can maintain their ability to perform good deeds and continue to benefit others. This Hadith encourages Muslims to be proactive in doing good, as it is through these actions that we can make a positive impact on our own lives and the lives of those around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds Muslims of the importance of consistently performing good deeds and acts of kindness. By refraining from holding back, we can maintain and enhance our ability to continue doing good and benefiting others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and motivation to always strive for goodness and kindness in our actions.