كُلُّ نِعْمَة أُنِيلَ مِنْها المَعْرُوفُ فَإنَّها مَأْمُونَةُ السَّلَبِ مُحَصَّنَةٌ مِنَ الغِيَرِ۔
Every blessing from which good is done [to others] is indeed safe from being taken away and is protected from vicissitudes.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Blessing)
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
Every blessing from which good is done [to others] is indeed safe from being taken away and is protected from vicissitudes.
This beautiful Hadith emphasizes the importance of using one's blessings to benefit others, as it ensures the preservation and security of those blessings.
Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (ni'mah) "نِعْمَة" refers to blessings or favors bestowed upon individuals by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These blessings can manifest in various forms, such as wealth, health, knowledge, or any other form of goodness. The term (unīla) "أُنِيلَ" means to benefit or do good to others through these blessings.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that when a person utilizes their blessings to benefit others, those blessings become (ma'mūnatu al-salab) "مَأْمُونَةُ السَّلَبِ", meaning they are safe from being taken away. This implies that when we selflessly share our blessings with others, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) safeguards those blessings and ensures their continuity.
The Imam further adds that these blessings are (muḥaṣṣanah min al-ghīr) "مُحَصَّنَةٌ مِنَ الْغِيَرِ", which means they are protected from vicissitudes or unforeseen circumstances. When we use our blessings to benefit others, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) shields them from any harm or loss. This protection is a testament to the divine promise of Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mercy and His reward for those who selflessly give to others.
To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261),
The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.
This verse highlights the concept of giving and its abundant rewards. When we use our blessings to benefit others, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) multiplies the reward manifold.
In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,
And say: 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'
This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) support and guidance in all our endeavors. When we utilize our blessings to benefit others, we are seeking Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) support, and He, in turn, protects and preserves those blessings.
Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that utilizing our blessings to benefit others not only ensures the preservation and security of those blessings but also brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a means of seeking His pleasure and multiplying our rewards. By selflessly giving to others, we become a source of goodness and blessings in the lives of those around us.
As Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and use our blessings to benefit others. Whether it is through acts of charity, sharing knowledge, or offering support and kindness, let us remember that every blessing we utilize for the betterment of others is protected by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and will continue to bring us closer to Him. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to practice this noble teaching in our lives.
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