Hadith #2399

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

سَلِ المَعْرُوفَ مَنْ يَنْساهُ، واصْطَنِعْهُ إلى مَنْ يَذْكُرُهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Ask for good from one who forgets it and do good to the one who recalls it.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (ma'ruf) "مَعْرُوفَ" in this Hadith refers to acts of goodness, righteousness, and kindness. It encompasses all actions that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and are considered virtuous. It is important to note that ma'ruf is not limited to obligatory acts, but also includes recommended and voluntary acts of goodness.

The phrase (man yansaahu) "مَنْ يَنْساهُ" refers to someone who forgets or is unaware of the good that they possess or can do. This could be due to a lack of knowledge, forgetfulness, or negligence. The Hadith encourages us to seek out those individuals and ask them for the good that they possess. By doing so, we not only benefit from their goodness but also remind them of the value of their actions, thus motivating them to continue doing good.

On the other hand, the phrase (man yadhkuruhu) "مَنْ يَذْكُرُهُ" refers to someone who recalls or remembers the good that they possess or have done. These individuals are aware of the value of their actions and the impact they can have on others. The Hadith advises us to do good to such individuals, acknowledging and appreciating their efforts. By doing so, we reinforce their positive behavior and encourage them to continue their acts of goodness.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the good in others, regardless of whether they are aware of it or not. It teaches us to be proactive in seeking out goodness and to be grateful for the opportunities to do good. It also highlights the significance of encouraging and motivating others to continue their acts of righteousness.

The Quranic teachings support the message of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 5:2)

And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression

This verse emphasizes the importance of working together in acts of goodness and righteousness. By seeking out and asking for good from those who may forget it, we are actively cooperating in righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:104)

And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful

This verse highlights the importance of enjoining what is right and inviting others to goodness. By doing good to those who recall it, we are fulfilling this command and contributing to the formation of a righteous and successful community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us to seek out and ask for good from those who may forget it, while also doing good to those who recall it. This Hadith encourages us to actively engage in acts of righteousness, cooperate with others in goodness, and motivate and appreciate one another's efforts. By following this guidance, we can create a society that is constantly striving towards goodness and righteousness, ultimately earning the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to be people of goodness and enable us to benefit from the good in others.