Hadith #2492

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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:

لاتَمْنَعَنَّ المَعْرُوفَ، وإنْ لَمْ تَجِدْ عَرُوفاً۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of performing acts of benevolence and kindness, even if we do not find anyone who appreciates or understands their value.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (ma'rufa) "مَعْرُوفَ" refers to acts of goodness, kindness, and benevolence. It encompasses any action that is recognized as virtuous and praiseworthy in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (tamna'an) "تَمْنَعَنَّ" means to withhold or hold back from performing an act.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of performing acts of kindness and benevolence. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says: (Quran 2:177)

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves

This verse highlights that true righteousness lies in believing in Allah and performing acts of charity and kindness. It emphasizes the importance of giving wealth, even if it is dear to us, to those in need. Similarly, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah says: (Quran 5:2)

Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and transgression

These verses from the Quran demonstrate that acts of benevolence and kindness are highly regarded in Islam. They are a means of attaining righteousness and pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Therefore, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that they should never hold back from performing acts of goodness, even if they do not find anyone who appreciates or understands their value.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words carry great weight. His teachings are rooted in the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). In this Hadith, he encourages Muslims to continue doing good deeds, regardless of whether or not they receive recognition or appreciation from others.

This Hadith is a powerful reminder that our intention should be solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and not for the validation or approval of others. We should perform acts of kindness and benevolence because it is the right thing to do, and because it pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Our reward lies with Him, and He is the ultimate judge of our actions.

By practicing this Hadith, we can cultivate a sense of selflessness and sincerity in our deeds. We should strive to perform acts of goodness, regardless of whether or not they are acknowledged or understood by others. Our motivation should come from a deep-rooted desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims to never withhold acts of benevolence, even if they are not appreciated or understood by others. It is a call to perform acts of kindness and goodness solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His pleasure and reward. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the ability to perform acts of benevolence with sincerity and selflessness.