Hadith #4849

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the importance of performing good deeds and acts of kindness towards those who appreciate and acknowledge them, as well as towards those who may not express gratitude. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (sanāyiʿuhu) "صَنَايِعُهُ" refers to the good turns or acts of kindness that a person does. It encompasses all types of benevolent actions, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. These acts can range from helping someone in need, offering support and guidance, or even providing emotional comfort. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of performing such acts of kindness.

The word (yashkuruhu) "يَشْكُرُهُ" means to express gratitude or thanks. It signifies the appreciation and acknowledgment of the good deeds done by others. When a person performs acts of kindness, it is a source of happiness and contentment for them to see their efforts being recognized and appreciated.

On the other hand, the word (maʿrūfuhu) "مَعْرُوفُهُ" refers to benevolence or acts of goodness shown towards others. It implies doing good deeds without expecting anything in return, regardless of whether the recipient expresses gratitude or not. It is a selfless act of kindness that stems from a genuine desire to help and uplift others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds and treating others with kindness and compassion. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:195)

And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of goodness. Just as Allah has bestowed His blessings upon us, we are encouraged to do good to others. The act of performing good deeds is not only a means of expressing gratitude to Allah but also a way to spread positivity and righteousness in society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent

This verse reminds us of the importance of generosity and benevolence. We should not withhold our acts of kindness due to fear of ingratitude or lack of appreciation. Instead, we should extend our hands in generosity, regardless of the response we receive.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true felicity lies in performing good deeds without any expectations. When we do good to those who appreciate and acknowledge our efforts, it brings joy and satisfaction to our hearts. However, the real test of our character lies in being benevolent towards those who may not express gratitude or even acknowledge our kindness.

By doing so, we emulate the qualities of the Prophets and the righteous individuals mentioned in the Quran. Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this when he continued to show kindness and compassion to his people, despite their rejection of his message. Similarly, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) displayed unwavering benevolence towards his enemies, even forgiving them after their relentless persecution.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of performing good deeds and acts of kindness. It teaches us that true felicity lies in doing good to those who appreciate and acknowledge our efforts, as well as to those who may not express gratitude. By embodying these teachings, we strive to follow in the footsteps of the Prophets and the righteous individuals mentioned in the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to perform good deeds and spread kindness in the world.