Hadith #2481

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Nurturing a good turn [and completing it] is better than starting it [anew].

This enlightening saying emphasizes the importance of not only initiating acts of kindness but also ensuring their completion and continuity. To fully comprehend the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word "marabbah" refers to nurturing or fostering, indicating the need to care for and develop a good deed once it has been initiated. It implies the act of tending to something, providing it with the necessary support and nourishment for its growth and fruition. This word highlights the importance of not abandoning a good deed halfway but rather seeing it through to its completion.

The term "ma'ruf" denotes acts of goodness, righteousness, and kindness. It encompasses all actions that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and are beneficial to individuals and society as a whole. It includes acts such as charity, helping others, showing compassion, and practicing justice. These acts are highly regarded in Islam and are encouraged for Muslims to engage in.

The phrase "ahsan min ibtida'ihi" translates to

better than starting it anew.

It emphasizes the superiority of nurturing and completing a good deed over merely initiating it again. This phrase highlights the significance of continuity and perseverance in our actions. It implies that the value of a good deed increases when it is consistently maintained and improved upon, rather than being abandoned and replaced with a new one.

To further understand the wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:148),

So race to [all that is] good. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you forth [for judgement] all together. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.

This verse encourages Muslims to hasten towards performing good deeds and to compete in righteousness. It emphasizes the importance of actively engaging in acts of goodness and not delaying or abandoning them.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse highlights the significance of collaboration and cooperation in performing acts of righteousness. It emphasizes the need for Muslims to support and nurture each other in their pursuit of goodness, rather than engaging in sinful or aggressive behavior.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quranic verses, we understand that it is not enough to merely initiate acts of kindness. We must strive to nurture and complete them, ensuring their continuity and growth. By doing so, we maximize the impact of our good deeds and contribute to the betterment of society. This Hadith teaches us the importance of perseverance, dedication, and consistency in our actions, as these qualities enhance the value and reward of our deeds in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

As Muslims, we should take this Hadith to heart and strive to nurture and complete our good deeds. Rather than starting afresh each time, we should focus on developing and improving the acts of kindness we have already initiated. By doing so, we can create a lasting positive impact on ourselves, our communities, and the world around us. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of this Hadith and the Quran in our lives.