Hadith #9679

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Magnanimity is spreading goodness and being hospitable to guests.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "al-muruwwah" in Arabic refers to magnanimity, nobility, and generosity. It encompasses the qualities of being kind, compassionate, and benevolent towards others. It is a virtue that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasized and practiced throughout his life, making him an exemplary role model for all Muslims.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Magnanimity is spreading goodness.

This highlights the importance of actively promoting and spreading goodness in society. It encourages Muslims to engage in acts of kindness, charity, and benevolence towards others. This includes helping those in need, supporting the less fortunate, and being a source of positivity and goodness in the lives of others.

The Quran supports this concept of spreading goodness in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83),

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of doing good to one's parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy. It also highlights the significance of speaking good words to people, which is an essential aspect of spreading goodness. By doing so, Muslims can create a positive and harmonious environment, fostering love, compassion, and unity within the community.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Magnanimity is being hospitable to guests.

This highlights the importance of showing hospitality and kindness towards guests. In Islam, guests hold a special status and are considered a blessing. It is a duty upon Muslims to treat their guests with utmost respect, kindness, and generosity.

The Quran emphasizes the virtue of hospitality in Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:24-26), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And in their wealth is a recognized right for the needy and the destitute. And those who believe in the Day of Recompense and those who are fearful of their Lord - for them will be gardens. So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny? They are those who fulfill their vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread.

These verses highlight the importance of fulfilling the rights of the needy and destitute, which includes being hospitable to guests. By being generous and welcoming towards guests, Muslims not only fulfill their duty but also earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the rewards of Paradise.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on magnanimity, spreading goodness, and being hospitable to guests serves as a reminder for all Muslims to embody these virtues in their daily lives. By doing so, we can contribute to the betterment of society, create a positive impact on others, and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us strive to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and emulate his noble qualities, particularly his knowledge and practice of magnanimity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to spread goodness, be hospitable to guests, and embody the virtues of magnanimity in our lives.