Hadith #9912

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: "لاصَنيعَةَ لِلْمُمْتَنِّ۔" This can be translated as:

One who puts [others under] obligation does no good to others.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of selflessness and the negative consequences of expecting something in return for our good deeds.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (sanīʿah) "صَنيعَةَ" refers to an act of kindness or a good deed. It encompasses any action done with the intention of benefiting others. The word (mumtannī) "مُمْتَنِّ" refers to someone who expects a return or puts others under obligation. This person seeks to gain something in exchange for their good deeds, rather than performing them solely for the sake of Allah.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of selflessness and sincerity in our actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan (76:9):

We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.

This verse reminds us that our acts of kindness should be solely for the sake of Allah, without expecting any form of repayment or recognition from others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:272), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

It is not required of you to give them a full account of what you expend in charity.

This verse highlights the importance of concealing our acts of charity and not seeking recognition or praise for them. When we perform good deeds with the intention of gaining something in return, we risk diluting the sincerity of our actions and losing the true essence of selflessness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to purify their intentions and perform good deeds solely for the pleasure of Allah. When we expect something in return for our acts of kindness, we not only diminish the value of our actions but also create a sense of indebtedness in others. This can lead to a transactional mindset, where our relationships and interactions become driven by personal gain rather than genuine care and compassion.

For example, if we help someone with the expectation that they will owe us a favor in return, our act of kindness loses its sincerity. Instead of fostering a sense of unity and selflessness, we create a cycle of indebtedness and expectation. This can strain relationships and hinder the development of a harmonious society based on mutual support and genuine care for one another.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a reminder of the importance of self-reflection. It prompts us to examine our intentions and motivations behind our actions. Are we performing good deeds solely for the sake of Allah, or are we seeking personal gain and recognition? By constantly evaluating our intentions, we can strive to purify our actions and ensure that they are driven by sincere devotion to Allah and a genuine desire to benefit others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

One who puts [others under] obligation does no good to others

emphasizes the importance of selflessness and sincerity in our actions. It reminds us that true goodness lies in performing acts of kindness solely for the sake of Allah, without expecting anything in return. By purifying our intentions and seeking the pleasure of Allah, we can cultivate a society based on genuine care, compassion, and mutual support. May Allah guide us all to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive for selflessness in all aspects of our lives.