Hadith #2452

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) states,

One who reciprocates a good turn with a better one has [appropriately] repaid it.

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of responding to kindness with even greater kindness. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (ihsan) "إحْسانَ" and (jazah) "جازاهُ". "إحْسانَ" refers to acts of goodness, kindness, and excellence. It encompasses going above and beyond in one's actions, doing good deeds sincerely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and treating others with compassion and benevolence. "جازاهُ" means to repay or recompense, indicating that the person who responds with a better action has appropriately repaid the initial act of kindness.

The Quran beautifully supports the concept of responding to goodness with even greater goodness. In Surah Al-Rahman (55:60-61), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Is the reward for good [anything] but good? Then which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?

This verse highlights the principle that the reward for good deeds is always good, and it encourages us to reflect upon the countless blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), we find another verse that supports the idea of responding to kindness with even greater kindness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse encourages us to reciprocate the goodness bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) by doing good to others. It reminds us to be grateful for the blessings of this world while also striving for the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that responding to a good turn with a better one is not only a matter of fulfilling our obligations but also a means of elevating our character and strengthening our relationships with others. When someone does us a favor or shows us kindness, responding in kind or with an even greater act of goodness not only shows gratitude but also fosters a sense of mutual respect and love. It creates a positive cycle of goodness and encourages others to continue performing acts of kindness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this principle throughout his life. He responded to the worst of actions with the best of responses, always striving to maintain justice and fairness. One notable example is when he forgave his opponent, Amr ibn Abd Wudd, after defeating him in battle. Despite having the opportunity to seek revenge, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) chose to treat his enemy with mercy and kindness, setting an extraordinary example of forgiveness and compassion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of responding to acts of kindness with even greater acts of goodness. It reminds us of the principle of reciprocity and encourages us to go beyond what is expected in our interactions with others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations but also elevate our character and strengthen our relationships. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody this noble teaching and spread goodness in the world.