Hadith #2340

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الإحسان ذخرٌ، والكريم من حازه

which translates to

Kindness is a treasure and the munificent is one who obtains it.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of kindness and generosity in the life of a Muslim.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (al-ihsan) "الإحسان" refers to acts of kindness, goodness, and excellence. It encompasses going above and beyond in one's actions, treating others with compassion, and striving for perfection in all aspects of life. (dhuhr) "ذخر" means treasure or wealth, indicating that kindness is a valuable asset that brings immense benefits and rewards. (al-karim) "الكريم" refers to the one who is generous, noble, and magnanimous. It signifies a person who possesses the quality of giving without expecting anything in return. (man haza) "من حازه" means the one who obtains or acquires it, emphasizing that the true munificent person is the one who attains kindness and practices it in their daily life.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support and reinforce the importance of kindness and generosity. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:263)

Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury.

This verse highlights the superiority of kind words and forgiveness over mere material charity. It emphasizes the significance of treating others with kindness and compassion, even in the face of adversity.

Another verse in Surah Al-Balad states, (Quran 90:12-16)

And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave or feeding on a day of severe hunger, an orphan of near relationship, or a needy person in misery.

This verse highlights the rewards and blessings of acts of kindness and generosity, such as freeing a slave, feeding the hungry, and supporting those in need. It emphasizes the importance of helping others and being generous with our resources.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to embody the qualities of kindness and generosity. Kindness is not merely a superficial act, but a treasure that brings immense benefits to both the giver and the receiver. When we are kind to others, we create a positive impact on their lives, fostering a sense of unity and compassion within the Muslim community.

The munificent person, as described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), is one who not only possesses wealth or material resources but also utilizes them to benefit others. This person understands the true essence of generosity and selflessness, giving without expecting anything in return. By practicing kindness and generosity, we emulate the noble qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who were known for their exemplary character and benevolence.

The consequences of embodying kindness and generosity are far-reaching. Not only do these qualities bring joy and happiness to those who receive our acts of kindness, but they also purify our own souls and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By practicing kindness, we become closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fulfill our duty as Muslims to spread goodness and compassion in the world.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of incorporating kindness and generosity into our daily lives. We should strive to be kind to our family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers, as this is a fundamental aspect of our faith. By being munificent and obtaining the treasure of kindness, we can contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society, reflecting the true teachings of Islam.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to embody kindness and generosity in our actions and grant us the strength to be munificent in all aspects of our lives. Ameen.