Hadith #2385

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings 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,

The best benevolent act is one that is neither preceded by delay nor followed by obligation.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deep meaning in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (the best benevolent act) "خَيْرُ المَعْرُوفِ", (that is neither preceded by delay) "مالَمْ يَتَقَدَّمْهُ المَطَلُ", and (nor followed by obligation) "ولَمْ يَتْبَعْهُ المَنُّ".

To understand the essence of this Hadith, we must first reflect upon the concept of "benevolent acts" or "ma'ruf" in Islam. The term "ma'ruf" encompasses all acts of goodness, kindness, and charity that are encouraged and praised in Islam. It includes acts such as helping the needy, feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, and performing acts of worship. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the best of these acts is one that is performed without delay or obligation.

To support this understanding, we find numerous Quranic verses that highlight the importance of hastening in performing good deeds. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:148),

So hasten to good deeds as much as you can.

This verse emphasizes the urgency and swiftness in performing good actions, without any delay or hesitation.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Mu'minun (23:61), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises the believers by saying,

And those who hasten in good deeds, they are the foremost in them.

This verse highlights the virtue of those who are quick to engage in acts of goodness, as they are considered to be at the forefront of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also emphasizes that the best benevolent act is one that is not followed by any obligation. This means that the act of goodness should not be motivated by any external pressure or expectation. It should be purely for the sake of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of the righteous, saying,

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the east or the west, but righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse emphasizes that true righteousness lies in sincere belief in Allah and selfless acts of charity, without any ulterior motives or obligations.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best benevolent act is one that is performed promptly and willingly, without any delay or expectation of reward. It should be done solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and out of genuine love and compassion for His creation.

By practicing this teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), Muslims can cultivate a sincere and selfless approach to acts of goodness. They will strive to perform good deeds promptly and willingly, without any delay or hesitation, and without seeking any worldly recognition or reward. This will lead to a purer intention and a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), ultimately resulting in the attainment of His pleasure and the elevation of their spiritual status.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive for the best benevolent acts. May He bless us with the strength and sincerity to perform good deeds promptly and willingly, solely for His sake. Ameen.