Good Conduct - Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 231

'Abdullah ibn al-Khatami reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Every act of kindness is sadaqa."

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith from the collection Al-Adab Al-Mufrad expands the concept of charity (sadaqa) beyond mere monetary giving. The Prophet, peace be upon him, teaches that every benevolent action performed with sincerity constitutes an act of charity in the sight of Allah.

Scholars explain that "kindness" (ma'ruf) encompasses all good deeds recognized by the Shari'ah and sound intellect. This includes smiling at your brother, removing harm from the path, guiding someone lost, speaking a good word, or even abstaining from harming others. Each of these actions carries spiritual reward equivalent to charity.

This teaching makes the path to Paradise accessible to all believers, regardless of their financial means. The wealthy may give wealth, while the poor may give through their actions, words, and intentions. Thus, the doors of divine reward remain open to every Muslim throughout their daily interactions.

Practical Applications

A Muslim should recognize opportunities for kindness in daily life: assisting parents, visiting the sick, teaching beneficial knowledge, reconciling between people, feeding animals, and even fulfilling one's marital duties with good intention.

This comprehensive understanding of charity transforms ordinary life into continuous worship, where every good deed becomes a means of drawing closer to Allah and accumulating reward for the Hereafter.