Hadith #2424

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

لِكُلِّ شَيْء فَضِيلَةٌ وفَضِيلَةُ الكِرامِ اِصْطِناعُ الرِّجالِ۔

which translates to

Everything has a merit and the merit of the honourable ones is doing good to the people.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith. The word (fadilah) "فَضِيلَةٌ" refers to virtue, excellence, or merit. It signifies the inherent goodness and value that exists in everything created by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The term (alkiram) "الكِرامِ" refers to the honorable ones or the noble individuals. These are the individuals who possess qualities of righteousness, piety, and noble character. Finally, the phrase (istina'u ar-rijal) "اِصْطِناعُ الرِّجالِ" means doing good to the people or engaging in acts of kindness and benevolence towards others.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing the inherent worth and value of every individual, regardless of their background or social status. The true measure of nobility lies in righteousness and piety, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) judges individuals based on their character and actions.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages believers to engage in acts of kindness and benevolence towards others. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 highlights the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion. It emphasizes the duty of believers to fulfill the rights of their fellow human beings, especially those who are vulnerable or in need. By doing good to others, we not only fulfill our obligations but also earn the merit and virtue mentioned in the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the significance of doing good to others. His words serve as a reminder that true nobility lies in acts of kindness and benevolence. When we engage in acts of goodness, we not only benefit others but also elevate our own souls and draw closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The consequences of embodying the teachings of this Hadith are far-reaching. By practicing kindness and benevolence, we foster unity, harmony, and compassion within our communities. We create an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and loved. Moreover, our actions serve as a reflection of our faith, allowing us to be ambassadors of Islam and spreading its message of peace and goodwill.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that everything in this world has its own merit, but the true merit lies in doing good to others. By engaging in acts of kindness and benevolence, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also earn the virtue and excellence that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. Let us strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith and become among the honorable ones who bring goodness and compassion to the lives of others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and enable us to be a source of goodness for humanity.