Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Good Turns And Benevolent Actions

Good Turns and Benevolent Actions الإحسان والصنيعة

1 . Showing kindness to the enemy is one of the two triumphs.

1 ـ اَلأخْدُ عَلَى العَدُوِّ بِالفَضْلِ أحَدُ الظَّفَرَيْنِ

2 . Following up one favour with another favour is from the perfection of munificence.

2 ـ إتْباعُ الإحْسانِ بِالإحْسانِ مِنْ كَمالِ الجُودِ

3 . Doing good is the nature of the righteous and doing evil is the nature of the wicked.

3 ـ اَلإحْسانُ غَرِيزَةُ الأخْيارِ، والإساءَةُ غَرِيزَةُ الأشْرارِ

4 . Benevolence from the wicked corrupts just as much as it reforms from the honourable.

4 ـ اَلكَرامَةُ تَُفْسُِدُ مِنَ اللَّئيمِ بِقَدْرِ ما تَُصْلَُحُ مِنَ الكَريمِ

5 . If a righteous act is not nurtured, it wears away, just like worn out garments and dilapidated buildings.

5 ـ اَلصَّنِيعَةُ إذا لَمْ تُرَبَّ أخْلَقَتْ، كَالثَّوْبِ البالي والأبْنِيَةِ المُتَداعِيَةِ

6 . Do good and you shall enthral.

6 ـ أحْسِنْ تَسْتَرِقَّ

7 . Bestow goodness and you shall advance.

7 ـ أفْضِلْ تُقَدَّمْ

8 . Do good and you will be thanked.

8 ـ أحْسِنْ تُشْكَرْ

9 . Forget your gift, [and] remember your promise.

9 ـ اِنْسَ رِفْدَكَ، أُذْكُرْ وَعْدَكَ

10 . Give and you shall become capable (or be chosen).

10 ـ أعْطِ تَسْتَطِعْ(تَصْطَنِعْ ).

11 . Give generously and you shall gain authority.

11 ـ اِسْمَحْ تَسُدْ

12 . Confer favours and you will be praised.

12 ـ اِنْعِمْ تُحْمَدْ

13 . Extend your goodness and do no harm.

13 ـ أُبْذُلْ مَعْرُوفَكَ، وكُفَّ أذاكَ

14 . Be good [to others] and good will be done to you.

14 ـ أحْسِنْ يُحْسَنْ إلَيْكَ

15 . Be good to the evildoer and you will dominate him.

15 ـ أحْسِنْ إلَى المُسيءِِ تَمْلِكْهُ

16 . Bestow favours on the people and your status will increase.

16 ـ أفْضِلْ عَلَى النّاسِ يَعْظُمْ قَدْرُكَ

17 . Show kindness to whomever you wish and you will become his master.

17 ـ أحْسِنْ إلى مَنْ شِئْتَ وكُنْ (تَـكُنْ) أمِيرَهُ

18 . Confer favours and you will be thanked, fear [Allah] and you will be feared [by the people] and do not crack [silly] jokes such that you are belittled.

18 ـ أنْعِمْ تُشْكَرْ، وارْهَبْ تُحْذَرْ، ولاتُمازِحْ فَتُحْقَرْ

19 . Seize the opportunity to perform righteous deeds and be careful of your obligations towards your brothers.

19 ـ اِغْتَنِمْ صَنايِعَ الإحْسانِ، وَارْعَ ذِمَمَ الإخْوانِ

20 . Start by giving the one who has not asked you, and extend your favour to the one who has sought it, and be cautious never to turn away a beggar.

20 ـ إبْدَأْ بِالعَطِيَّةِ مَنْ لَمْ يَسْئَلْكَ، وابْذُلْ مَعْرُوفَكَ لِمَنْ طَلَبَهُ، وإيّاكَ أنْ تَرُدَّ السّائِلَ

21 . Donate your wealth generously towards righteous works and support your friend[s] with it, for indeed generosity is a more befitting trait for the free.

21 ـ أُبْذُلْ مالَكَ فِي الْحُقُوقِ، وَواسِ بِهِ الصَّدِيقَ، فَإنَّ السَّخاءَ بِالحُرِّ أخْلَقُ

22 . Do good to the one who is under your authority and the one under whose authority you are will do good to you.

22 ـ أحْسِنْ إلى مَنْ تَمْلِكُ رِقَّهُ، يُحْسِنْ إلَيْكَ مَنْ تَمَلَّكَ رِقَّكَ

23 . The best faith is [that which is accompanied by] righteousness.

23 ـ أفْضَلُ الإيمانِ اَلإحْسانُ

24 . The best favours are those that correspond with divinely ordained laws.

24 ـ أحْسَنُ الصَّنايِـعِ ما وافَقَ الشَّرايِـعَ

25 . The best act is that which benefits the pious ones.

25 ـ أفْضَلُ البِرِّ ما أُصِيبَ بِهِ الأبـْرارُ

26 . The best act is that which benefits those who are deserving of it.

26 ـ أفْضَلُ البِرِّ ما أُصِيبَ بِهِ أهْلُهُ

27 . The merit of a righteous action is better than the action [itself].

27 ـ أفْضَلُ مِنَ الصَّنِيعَةِ مَزِيَّةُ الصَّنِيعَةِ

28 . The greatest righteous act is establishing ties with near relatives.

28 ـ أوْفَرُ البِرِّ صِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ

29 . The most beautiful act of a person in a position of power is conferring of favours [to those under him].

29 ـ أجْمَلُ أفْعالِ ذَوِي القُدْرَةِ الإنْعامُ

30 . The best treasure is a free man who has been reserved [in your friendship because of your kindness to him].

30 ـ أفْضَلُ الكُنُوزِ حُرٌّ يُدَّخَرُ

31 . The greatest good deed is supporting one’s brothers [financially].

31 ـ أحْسَنُ الإحْسانِ مُواساةُ الإخْوانِ

32 . The best gift is forgoing obligation.

32 ـ أفْضَلُ العَطاءِ تَرْكُ المَنِّ

33 . The noblest of favours are the good turns of the munificent [and honourable] ones.

33 ـ أشْرَفُ الصَّنايِـعِ اِصْطِناعُ الكِرامِ

34 . The most worthy of giving [to] is the one who feels the least in need of asking [from others].

34 ـ أوْلَى النّاسِ بِالنَّوالِ أغْناهُمْ عَنِ السُّؤالِ

35 . The best grant is that which is given before it is sought.

35 ـ أفْضَلُ النَّوالِ ما وَصَلَ قَبْلَ السُّؤالِ

36 . The most pleasing kindness is offering [something] without being asked [for it].

36 ـ أحْلىَ النَّوالِ بَذْلٌ بِغَيْرِ سُؤال

37 . The best grant is that which is [bestowed] before the humility of having to ask [for it].

37 ـ أفْضَلُ العَطِيَّةِ ماكانَ قَبْلَ مَذَلَّةِ السُّؤالِ

38 . The best of all people who have preceded you is the one who has preceded you in his good expectation of you.

38 ـ أفْضَلُ النّاسِ سالِفَةً عِنْدَكَ، مَنْ أسْلَفَكَ حُسْنَ التَّأميلِ لَكَ

39 . The most worthy of favour among the people is one who is patient when he is put off, excuses when he is denied and shows gratitude when he is given.

39 ـ أَوْلَى النّاسِ بِالاِصْطِناعِ، مَنْ إذا مُطِلَ صَبَرَ، وإذا مُنِعَ عَذَرَ، وإذا أُعْطِيَ شَكَرَ

40 . Of all people, the most worthy of doing good to others is the one upon whom Allah has bestowed favours and granted with the ability [to do good to others].

40 ـ أحَقُّ النّاسِ بِالإحْسانِ مَنْ أحْسَنَ اللّهُ إلَيْهِ، وبَسَطَ بِالقُدْرَةِ يَدَيْهِ

41 . The most worthy of bestowing favours [to others] is the one upon whom numerous favours of Allah have been bestowed.

41 ـ أوْلَى النّاسِ بِالإنْعامِ مَنْ كَثُرَتْ نِعَمُ اللّهِ عَلَيْهِ

42 . Verily the good act that brings reward quickest is the act of kindness.

42 ـ إنَّ أسْرَعَ الخَيْـرِ ثَواباً البِـرُّ

43 . Verily giving away this wealth is an acquisition [for the Hereafter] and withholding it is an affliction.

43 ـ إنَّ إعْطاءَ هذا المالِ قِنْيَةٌ، وإنَّ إمْساكَهُ فِتْنَةٌ

44 . Verily spending this wealth in obedience to Allah is the greatest blessing and spending it in disobedience to Him is the greatest tribulation.

44 ـ إنَّ إنْفاقَ هذا المالِ في طاعَةِ اللّهِ أعْظَمُ نِعْمَة، وإنَّ إنْفاقَهُ فِي مَعاصِيهِ أعْظَمُ مِحْنَة

45 . Indeed extending greetings is from sublime morals.

45 ـ إنَّ بَذْلَ التَّحِيَّةِ مِنْ مَحاسِنِ الأخْلاقِ

46 . Verily Allah, the Glorified, loves everyone who is open-handed and strong in faith.

46 ـ إنَّ اللّهَ سُبْحانَهُ يُحِبُّ كُلَّ سَمِحِ اليَدَيْنِ، حَريزِ الدّينِ

47 . Verily the value of asking is greater than the worth of what is given, so do not regard that which you give as much, for it will never be equal to the humiliation of asking.

47 ـ إنَّ قَدْرَ السُّؤالِ أكْثَرُ مِنْ قِيْمَةِ النَّوالِ، فَلا تَسْتَكْثِرُوا ما أعْطَيْتُمُوهُ، فَإنَّهُ لَنْ يُوازِيَ قَدْرَ السُّؤالِ

48 . Verily the little that is from Allah, the Glorified, is more valuable than the plenty [that is gotten] from His creatures.

48 ـ إنَّ اليَسِيـرَ مِنَ اللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ لأكْرَمُ مِنَ الكَثيرِ مِنْ خَلْقِهِ

49 . Verily the good turn that you did to one of the people was only a means to ennoble yourself and embellish your honour, so do not seek gratitude from others for that which you did for yourself.

49 ـ إنَّ مَكْرُمَةً صَنَعْتَها إلى أحَد مِنَ النّاسِ، إنَّما أكْرَمْتَ بِها نَفْسَكَ، وَزَيَّنْتَ بِها عِرْضَكَ، فَلا تَطْلُبْ مِنْ غَيْرِكَ شُكْرَ ما صَنَعْتَ إلى نَفْسِكَ

50 . Indeed your goodness towards the ones who plots against you from your opponents and enviers is more irritating for them than your trying to do them harm, and it is [also] a means of inviting them to reform [themselves].

50 ـ إنَّ إحْسانَكَ إلى مَنْ كادَكَ مِنَ الأضْدادِ والحُسّادِ لأغْيَظُ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنْ مَواقِعِ إسائَتِكَ مِنْهُمْ وهُوَ داع إلى صَلاحِهِمْ

51 . Verily your munificence does not extend to all of the creation, so aim it towards the noblest of creation.

51 ـ إنَّ كَرامَتَكَ لا ئَتَّسِعُ لِجَميعِ الخَلْقِ، فَتَوَّخَ بِها أفاضِلَ الخَلْقِ

52 . It is not from the practice of the virtuous to delay the bestowal of favours.

52 ـ لَيْسَ مِنْ عادَةِ الكِرامِ تَأخيرُ الإنْعامِ

53 . Benevolence is authority.

53 ـ اَلمَعْرُوفُ سِيادَةٌ

54 . Benevolence is distinction.

54 ـ اَلمَعْرُوفُ حَسَبٌ

55 . Kindness is [a cause of] love.

55 ـ اَلإحْسانُ مَحَبَّةٌ

56 . Benevolent acts are loans.

56 ـ اَلمَعْرُوفُ قُرُوضٌ

57 . Doing good [to others] is beneficial.

57 ـ اَلإحْسانُ غُنْمٌ

58 . Benevolence is merit, munificence is nobility.

58 ـ اَلمَعْرُوفُ فَضْلٌ، اَلكَرَمُ نُبْلٌ

59 . Benevolence is a treasure.

59 ـ اَلمَعْرُوفُ كَنْزٌ

60 . The human being is a slave of kindness.

60 ـ اَلاْنْسانُ عَبْدُ الإحْسانِ

61 . Benevolence is the alms-tax for blessings.

61 ـ اَلمَعْرُوفُ زَكاةُ النِّعَمِ

62 . Benevolent acts are the best booty.

62 ـ اَلمَعْرُوفُ أفْضَلُ المَغانِمِ

63 . Kindness is the pinnacle of excellence.

63 ـ اَلإحْسانُ رَأْسُ الفَضْلِ

64 . Kindness enslaves (or enthrals) human beings.

64 ـ اَلإْحْسانُ يَسْتَعْبِدُ(يَسْتَرِقُّ) الإنْسانَ

65 . Benevolence is the most honourable authority.

65 ـ اَلمَعْرُوفُ أشْرَفُ سِيادَة

66 . The evil deed is erased by a benevolent act.

66 ـ اَلإسائَةُ يَمْحاها الإحْسانُ

67 . Merit is [acquired] with benevolence.

67 ـ اَلفَضْلُ مَعَ الإحْسانِ

68 . Conferring favours is the most excellent munificence.

68 ـ اَلإفْضالُ أفْضَلُ الكَرَمِ

69 . Benevolence is an everlasting reserve.

69 ـ المَعْرُوفُ ذَخيرَةُ الأبَدِ

70 . Kindness is a treasure and the munificent is one who obtains it.

70 ـ اَلإحْسانُ ذُخْرٌ، والكَريمُ مَنْ حازَهُ (جازَهُ ).

71 . People are the followers of what they deem to be good.1

71 ـ اَلنّاسُ أبْناءُ ما يُحْسَِنُونَ

72 . The good turn done by an intelligent (or an honourable) person is most excellent [in] merit.

72 ـ اِصْطِناعُ العاقِلِ (الكَريمِ) أحْسَنُ فَضيلَة

73 . The favour of an ignoble person is the worst depravity.

73 ـ اِصْطِناعُ اللَّئِيمِ أقْبَحُ رَذيلَة

74 . Rewarding good with evil is [the highest form of] ingratitude.

74 ـ اَلجَزاءُ عَلَى الإحْسانِ بِالإسائَةِ كُفْرانٌ

75 . Benevolence is the most thriving cultivation and the best treasure.

75 ـ المَعْرُوفُ أنْمى زَرْع وأفْضَلُ كَنْز

76 . Doing good to the one who offends you is the most excellent merit.

76 ـ اَلإحْسانُ إلَى المُسِيءِ أحْسَنُ الفَضْلِ

77 . A benevolent act is sullied by repeatedly putting one under obligation through it.

77 ـ اَلمَعْرُوفُ يُكَدِّرُهُ تِكْرارُ المَنِّ بِهِ

78 . Doing good to the honourable ones is the best provision and the noblest deed.

78 ـ اِصْطِناعُ الأكارِمِ أفْضَلُ ذُخْر وأكْرَمُ اِصْطِناع

79 . Doing good to the one who offends [you] reforms the enemy.

79 ـ اَلإحْسانُ إلَى المُسِيءِ يَسْتَصْلِحُ العَدُوَّ

80 . Benevolence is a treasure so consider whom you are leaving it with.

80 ـ اَلمَعْرُوفُ كَنْزٌ فَانْظُرْعِنْدَ مَنْ تُودِعُهُ

81 . Righteous work is a provision, so be wary of whom you are placing it with.

81 ـ اَلاِصْطِناعُ ذُخْرٌ فَارْتَدْ عِنْدَ مَنْ تَضَعُهُ

82 . If you confer favours, you will be served.

82 ـ إنْ تَفَضَّلْتَ خُدِمْتَ

83 . Verily if you do good [to others] then you are [actually] honouring your own soul and doing good to it.

83 ـ إنَّكَ إنْ أحْسَنْتَ فَنَفْسَكَ تُـكْرِمُ وإلَيْها تُحْسِنُ

84 . Verily you are more in need of doing good to the people than of accumulating wealth.

84 ـ إنَّكُمْ إلَى اصْطِناعِ الرِّجالِ أحْوَجُ مِنْكُمْ إلى جَمْعِ الأمْوالِ

85 . The bane of giving is procrastination.

85 ـ آفَةُ العَطاءِ المَطَلُ

86 . When you perform a good turn then conceal it.

86 ـ إذا صَنَعْتَ مَعْرُوفاً فَاسْتُرْهُ

87 . When a good turn has been done to you then publicize it.

87 ـ إذا صُنِعَ إلَيْكَ مَعْرُوفٌ فَانْشُـرْهُ

88 . When you [wish to] give, be quick.

88 ـ إذا أعْطَيْتَ فَأوْجِزْ

89 . When a good turn is done to you, recall it.

89 ـ إذا صُنِعَ إلَيْكَ مَعْرُوفٌ فَاذْكُرْ

90 . When you do a good turn [to someone], forget it.

90 ـ إذا صَنَعْتَ مَعْرُوفاً فَانْسَهُ

91 . If you do good to a vile person, he will wrong you in return for your goodness to him.

91 ـ إذا أحْسَنْتَ عَلَى اللَّئِيمِ وتَرَكَ بِإحْسانِكَ إلَيْهِ

92 . I am free to choose with regards to the one upon whom I have not bestowed any favour but am bound to complete my favour on the one upon whom I have bestowed it; for if I complete it, I will have preserved it and if I cut it off then I will have lost it, and if I lose it then why did I embark on it [in the first place]?

92 ـ أنَا مُخَيَّـرٌ فيِ الإحْسانِ إلى مَنْ لَمْ أحْسِنْ إلَيْهِ، ومُرْتَهَنٌ بِإتْمامِ الإحْسانِ إلى مَنْ أحْسَنْتُ إلَيهِ، لأنّي إذا أتْمَمْتُهُ فَقَدْ حَفِظْتُهُ، وإذا قَطَعْتُهُ فَقَدْ أضَعْتُهُ، وإذا أضَعْتُهُ فَلِمَ فَعَلْتُهُ

93 . If your bounty falls short of reaching the weak, then [at least] let your mercy reach them.

93 ـ إذا عَجَزَ عَنِ الضُّعَفاءِ نَيْلُكَ فَلْتَسَعْهُمْ رَحْمَتُكَ

94 . If you find from the needy people one who will carry your provision for you up to the Day of Resurrection and return it to you tomorrow when you need it most, then take the opportunity and give it to him, and increase the provisions that you give him [to carry for you] while you are able to, for it is possible that you may [at one time] seek him but not find him.

94 ـ إذا وَجَدْتَ مِنْ أهْلِ الفاقَةِ مَنْ يَحْمِلُ لَكَ زادَكَ إلى يَوْمِ القِيمَةِ، فَيُوَفّيكَ بِهِ غَداً حَيْثُ تَحْتاجُ إلَيْهِ فَأغْتَنِمْهُ، وحَمِّلْهُ إيّاهُ وأكْثِرْ مِنْ تَزْويدِهِ، وَأنْتَ قادِرٌ عَلَيْهِ، فَلَعَلَّكَ أنْ تَطْلُبَهُ فَلا تَجِدْهُ

95 . Through kindness, human beings are enslaved.

95 ـ بالإحْسانِ يُسْتَعْبَدُ الإنْسانُ

96 . Through benevolence, gratitude lasts.

96 ـ بِفِعْلِِ المَعْرُوفِ يُسْتَدامُ الشُّكْرُ

97 . Through kindness, hearts are owned.

97 ـ بِالإحْسانِ تُمْلَكُ القُلُوبُ

98 . Through kindness, freemen are owned.

98 ـ بِالإحْسانِ تُمْلَكُ الأحْرارُ

99 . Through kindness and covering faults with forgiveness, eminence increases.

99 ـ بِالإحْسانِ وتَغَمُّدِ الذُّنُوبِ بِالغُفْرانِ يَعْظُمُ المَجْدُ

100 . Through kindness, people are enthralled.

100 ـ بِالإحْسانِ تُسْتَـرَقُّ الرِّقابُ

101 . Giving generously is the alms-tax of blessings.

101 ـ بَذْلُ العَطاءِ زَكوةُ النَّعْماءِ

102 . Extending the hand in giving is the most beautiful virtue and the most excellent trait.

102 ـ بَذْلُ اليَدِ بِالعَطِيَّةِ أجْمَلُ مَنْقَبَة، وأفْضَلُ سَجِيَّة

103 . Stretching out the hand in giving increases reward and multiplies recompense.

103 ـ بَسْطُ اليَدِ بِالعَطاءِ يُجْزِلُ الأجْرَ، ويُضاعِفُ الجَزاءَ

104 . Expediting good turns is the basis of righteousness.

104 ـ تَعْجيلُ المَعْرُوفِ مِلاكُ المَعْرُوفِ

105 . Wasting benevolence is showing it to someone who does not comprehend [its value].

105 ـ تَضْييعُ المَعْرُوفِ وَضْعُهُ في غَيْرِ عَرُوف

106 . Do good [to people] and you will be served; be forbearing (or gain knowledge) and you will advance.

106 ـ تَفَضَّلْ تُخْدَمْ واحْلُمْ (وَاعْلَمْ) تُقَدَّمْ

107 . The completion of benevolence is abandoning [putting one under] obligation by it.

107 ـ تَمامُ الإحْسانِ تَرْكُ المَنِّ بِهِ

108 . The peoples’ expectation of your kindness is better than their fear of your retribution.

108 ـ تَأْمِيلُ النَّاسِ نَوالَكَ خَيْـرٌ مِنْ خَوْفِهِمْ نَكالَكَ

109 . Adorn yourselves by taking up kindness, stopping transgression, acting upon the truth, being just and impartial, keeping away from corruption and improving your Hereafter.

109 ـ تَحَلَّوْا بِالأخْذِ بِالفَضْلِ، والكَفِّ عَنِ البَغْيِ، والعَمَلِ بِالحَقِّ، وَالإنْصافِ مِنَ النَّفْسِ، وَاجْتِنابِ الفَسادِ، وإصْلاحِ المَعادِ

110 . The beauty of benevolence is [in] relinquishing obligation.

110 ـ جَمالُ الإحْسانِ تَرْكُ الإمْتِنانِ

111 . The beauty of a benevolent act is in completing it.

111 ـ جَمالُ المَعْرُوفِ إتْمامُهُ

112 . Denying a favour instigates the ugliness of obligation.

112 ـ جُحُودُ الإحْسانِ يَحْدُو عَلى قُبْحِ الإمْتِنانِ

113 . Denying the benevolence [of others] leads to deprivation.

113 ـ جُحُودُ الإحْسانِ يُوجِبُ الحِرْمانَ

114 . The best good turn is one that benefits the righteous.

114 ـ خَيْـرُ المَعْرُوْفِ ما أُصِيبَ بِهِ الأبْرارُ

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

115 ـ خَيْـرُ المَعْرُوفِ مالَمْ يَتَقَدَّمْهُ المَطَلُ، ولَمْ يَتْبَعْهُ المَنُّ

116 . The best grant is that which is [given] without being sought.

116 ـ خَيْـرُ العَطاءِ ما كانَ عَنْ غَيْرِ طَلَب

117 . Act with kindness towards your enemy for this is one of the two triumphs.

117 ـ خُذْ عَلى عَدُوِّكَ بِالفَضْلِ، فَإنَّهُ أحَدُ الظَّفَرَيْنِ

118 . Whoever bestows favours on others, they are thankful for his authority.

118 ـ ذُو الإفْضالِ مَشْكُورُ السِّيادَةِ

119 . Whoever shows benevolence, his habit is praised.

119 ـ ذُو المَعْرُوفِ مَحْمُودُ العادَةِ

120 . The pinnacle of kindness is being kind to the believers.

120 ـ رَأْسُ الإحْسانِ اَلإحْسانُ إلَى المُؤْمِنينَ

121 . The pinnacle of generosity is being expeditious in giving.

121 ـ رَأْسُ السَّخاءِ تَعْجيلُ العَطاءِ

122 . The pinnacle of faith is doing good to people.

122 ـ رَأْسُ الإيمانِ اَلإحْسانُ إلَى النّاسِ

123 . The pinnacle of excellence is doing good to the virtuous.

123 ـ رَأْسُ الفَضائِلِ اِصْطِناعُ الأفاضِلِ

124 . The pinnacle of depravity is doing good to the wicked.

124 ـ رَأْسُ الرَّذائِلِ اِصْطِناعُ الأراذِلِ

125 . Nurturing a good turn is better than starting it.

125 ـ رَبُّ المَعْرُوفِ أحْسَنُ مِنْ إبْتِدائِهِ

126 . Increase your benevolent acts and bestow more favours, for this is a more lasting provision and a more beautiful legacy.

126 ـ زِدْ فيِ اصْطِناعِ المَعْرُوفِ، وأكْثِرْ مِنْ إسْداءِ الإحْسانِ، فَإنَّهُ أبْقى ذُخْراً، وأجْمَلُ ذِكْراً

127 . The cause of affection is benevolence.

127 ـ سَبَبُ المَحَبَّةِ الإحْسانُ

128 . Continuous bestowal [of favours] is the practice of the honourable.

128 ـ سُنَّةُ الكِرامِ تَرادُفُ الإنْعامِ

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

129 ـ سَلِ المَعْرُوفَ مَنْ يَنْساهُ، واصْطَنِعْهُ إلى مَنْ يَذْكُرُهُ

130 . The worst grant is that which is preceded by delay and followed by obligation.

130 ـ شَـرُّ النَّوالِ ما تَقَدَّمَهُ المَطَلُ، وتَعَقَّبَهُ المَنُّ

131 . Performing benevolent actions protects one from falling into disgrace.

131 ـ صَنايِـعُ المَعْرُوفِ تَقي مَصارِعَ الهَوانِ

132 . Doing good turns is from the merits of the human being.

132 ـ صَنايِـعُ الإحْسانِ مِنْ فَضائِلِ الإنْسانِ

133 . Performing benevolent actions causes the abundant flow of blessings and wards off calamity.

133 ـ صَنايِـعُ المَعْرُوفِ تُدِرُّ النَّعْماءَ، وتَدْفَعُ البَلاءَ

134 . The good turn of wealth ceases with its cessation.

134 ـ صَنيعُ المالِ يَزُولُ بِزَوالِهِ

135 . Blessed is the one who does good to the servants [of Allah] and prepares provisions for the Hereafter.

135 ـ طُوبى لِمَنْ أحْسَنَ إلَى العِبادِ وتَزَوَّدَ لِلْمَعادِ

136 . He who does a good turn to those who are undeserving of it has oppressed it.

136 ـ ظَلَمَ المَعْرُوفَ مَنْ وَضَعَهُ في غَيْرِ أهْلِهِ

137 . The one who confers his favours to the honourable ones acquires the most sublime gains.

137 ـ ظَفِرَ بِسَنيِّ المَغانِمِ واضِعُ صَنايِعِهِ في الأكارِمِ

138 . Espouse kindness, for it is the best cultivation and the most profitable merchandise.

138 ـ عَلَيْكَ بِالإحْسانِ فَإنَّهُ أفْضَلُ زِراعَة وأرْبَحُ بِضاعَة

139 . Be good to the servants [of Allah] and act justly in the lands, [by this] you will safe when the witnesses are presented [on the Day of Judgment].

139 ـ عَلَيْكُمْ بِالإحْسانِ إلَى العِبادِ والعَدْلِ فِي البِلادِ تَأمَنُوا عِنْدَ قِيامِ الأشْهادِ

140 . Perform benevolent works, for they are the best provisions for the Hereafter.

140 ـ عَلَيْكُمْ بِصَنايِـعِ المَعْرُوفِ فَإنَّها نِعْمَ الزَّادُ إلَى المَعادِ

141 . Perform benevolent acts and do good to your near relatives and neighbours, for these two actions prolong life and make the lands prosper.

141 ـ عَلَيْكُمْ بِصَنايِـعِ الإحْسانِ وحُسْنِ البِـرِّ بِذَوِي الرَّحِمِ والجيرانِ فَإنَّهُما تَزيدانِ فِي الأعْمارِ ويَعْمُرانِ الدِّيارَ

142 . By successive acts of kindness and benevolence, the free man is enslaved.

142 ـ عِنْدَ تَواتُرِ البِرِّ والإحْسانِ يُتَعَبَّدُ الحُرُّ

143 . The habit of benevolence is the source of capability [or power].

143 ـ عادَةُ الإحْسانِ مادَّةُ الإمْكانِ

144 . I am amazed at the one who buys slaves with his wealth, how can he not buy the freemen with his benevolence, thereby enthralling them.

144 ـ عَجِبْتُ لِمَنْ يَشْتَرِي الْعَبيدَ بِمالِهِ فَيُعْتِقَهُمْ كَيْفَ لايَشْتَِري الأحْرارَ بِإحْسانِهِ فَيَسْتَرِقَّهُمْ

145 . In every [act of] benevolence there is kindness.

145 ـ في كُلِّ مَعْرُوف إحْسانٌ

146 . In every good turn there is indebtedness.

146 ـ في كُلِّ صَنيعَة اِمْتِنانٌ

147 . Sometimes it is better to give in order to fulfil a promise [and not delay it].

147 ـ قَدْ يَهْنَأُ العَطاءُ لِلإنْجازِ

148 . Send your good turn ahead [for the Hereafter] and you will benefit.

148 ـ قَدِّمْ إحْسانَكَ تَغْنَمْ

149 . Every [form of] benevolence is a favour.

149 ـ كُلُّ مَعْرُوف إحْسانٌ

150 . How many a human being has been enslaved by benevolence!

150 ـ كَمْ مِنْ إنْسان اِسْتَعْبَدَهُ إحْسانٌ

151 . Increased rendering of benevolent works prolongs life and spreads renown.

151 ـ كَثْرَةُ اصْطِناعِ الْمَعْرُوفِ تَزيدُ فِي العُمْرِ وتَنْشُرُ الذِّكْرَ

152 . Doing a lot of good turns raises one’s honour and makes gratitude last.

152 ـ كَثْرَةُ الصَّنايِـعِ تَرْفَعُ الشَّـرَفَ وتَسْتَديمُ الشُّكْرَ

153 . The guarantee of continued affluence and capability [and power] is [in] following up one favour with another favour.

153 ـ كافِلُ دَوامِ الْغِنى والإمكانِ اتِّباعُ الإحْسانِ الإحْسانَ

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

154 ـ لِكُلِّ شَيْء فَضِيلَةٌ وفَضِيلَةُ الكِرامِ اِصْطِناعُ الرِّجالِ

155 . Let your traits be generosity and benevolence.

155 ـ لِيَكُنْ سَجِيَّتُكَ السَّخاءُ والإحْسانُ

156 . One cannot show gratitude for blessings in a better way than using them to benefit others.

156 ـ لَنْ يَسْتَطيعَ أحَدٌ أنْ يَشْكُرَ النِّعَمَ بِمِثْـلِ الإنْعامِ بِها

157 . If you were to see benevolence in the form a person, you would surely see him as a beautiful form that surpasses the worlds [in its beauty].

157 ـ لَوْ رَأيْتُمُ الإحْسانَ شَخْصاً لَرَأَيْتُمُوهُ شَكْلاً جَميلاً يَفُوقُ العالَمينَ

158 . One who bestows goodness [to others] is served [by them].

158 ـ مَنْ تَفَضَّلَ خُدِمَ

159 . One who generously gives [from] his wealth becomes great.

159 ـ مَنْ بَذَلَ مالَهُ جَلَّ

160 . One who bestows favours fulfils the right of authority.

160 ـ مَنْ أنْعَمَ قَضى حَقَّ السِّيادَةِ

161 . One who puts others under obligation for his favour, spoils it.

161 ـ مَنْ مَنَّ بِإحْسانِهِ كَدَّرَهُ

162 . One who extends his goodness [to the people] deserves leadership.

162 ـ مَنْ بَذَلَ مَعْرُوفَهُ اسْتَحَقَّ الرِّياسَةَ

163 . One who renders a beautiful deed acquires great praise.

163 ـ مَنْ صَنَعَ العارِفَةَ الجَميلَةَ حازَ المَحْمِدَةَ الجَزيلَةَ

164 . One who performs a benevolent action gains reward and gratitude.

164 ـ مَنْ صَنَعَ مَعْرُوفاً نالَ أجْراً وشُكْراً

165 . One who cuts off his usual favours, Allah will cut off his present capabilities.

165 ـ مَنْ قَطَعَ مَعْهُودَ إحْسانِهِ قَطَعَ اللّهُ مَوْجُودَ إمْكانِهِ

166 . One who does not bestow favours will not achieve nobility.

166 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يَتَفَضَّلْ لَمْ يَنْبُلْ

167 . One who does not give while he is sitting [in comfort] will not be given when he is standing [in a state of struggle].

167 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُعْطَ قاعِداً لَمْ يُعْطَ قائِماً

168 . One who does not give while he is sitting [in ease] will be deprived when he is standing [in adversity].

168 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُعْطَ قاعِداً مُنِعَ قائِماً

169 . One who favours an ignorant person demonstrates the extent of his own ignorance.

169 ـ مَنِ اصْطَنَعَ جاهِلاً بَرْهَنَ عَنْ وُفُورِ جَهْلِهِ

170 . One who conceals the favour [that has been done to him] is punished with deprivation.

170 ـ مَنْ كَتَمَ الإحْسانَ عُوقِبَ بِالْحِرْمانِ

171 . One who withholds favours is stripped of [his] ability.

171 ـ مَنْ مَنَعَ الإحْسانَ سُلِبَ الإمْكانَ

172 . One who does good to a freeman gains a [great] reward.

172 ـ مَنِ اصْطَنَعَ حُرّاً اِسْتَفادَ أجْراً

173 . One who does a kind act earns good praise.

173 ـ مَنْ أحْسَنَ اِكْتَسَبَ حُسْنَ الثَّناءِ

174 . One whose benefactions are abundant demonstrates his great nobility.

174 ـ مَنْ كَثُرَتْ عَوارِفُهُ أبانَ عَنْ كَثْرَةِ نُبْلِهِ

175 . One whose kindness is abundant is loved by his brothers.

175 ـ مَنْ كَثُرَتْ إحْسانُهُ أحَبَّهُ إخْوانُهُ

176 . Whoever extends his goodness [to others], more people are inclined towards him.

176 ـ مَنْ بَذَلَ مَعْرُوفَهُ كَثُرَ الرّاغِبُ إلَيْهِ

177 . One who accepts your gift has [actually] assisted you in gaining honour.

177 ـ مَنْ قَبِلَ عَطاءَكَ فَقَدْ أعانَكَ عَلَى الكَرَمِ

178 . One who perfects his kindness gives generously before he is asked.

178 ـ مَنْ أكْمَلَ الإفْضالَ بَذَلَ النَّوالَ قَبْلَ السُّؤالِ

179 . One who does good to the undeserving has wronged his goodness.

179 ـ مَنْ أسْدى مَعْرُوفاً إلى غَيْرِ أهْلِهِ ظَلَمَ مَعْرُوفَهُ

180 . One who gives in cases that are undeserving fails to give [the rights] to those who are deserving.

180 ـ مَنْ أعْطى في غَيْرِ الحُقُوقِ قَصَّـرَ عَنِ الحُقُوقِ

181 . One who is ungrateful for a good turn deserves an ugly separation.

181 ـ مَنْ كَفَرَ حُسْنَ الصَّنيعَةِ اسْتَوْجَبَ قُبْحَ القَطيعَةِ

182 . One who reciprocates a good turn with a better one has [appropriately] repaid it.

182 ـ مَنْ قابَلَ الإحْسانَ بِأفْضَلِ مِنْهُ فَقَدْ جازاهُ

183 . One whose benefaction increases, his assistants and helpers [also] increase.

183 ـ مَنْ كَثُرَ إحْسانُهُ كَثُرَ خَدَمُهُ وأعْوانُهُ

184 . Whoever extends his benevolence [to others], the hearts become inclined towards him.

184 ـ مَنْ بَذَلَ مَعْرُوفَهُ مالَتْ إلَيْهِ القُلُوبُ

185 . One who grants generously before being asked, then he is truly honourable and much-loved.

185 ـ مَنْ بَذَلَ النَّوالَ قَبْلَ السُّؤالِ فَهُوَ الكَريمُ المَحْبُوبُ

186 . One who repays goodness with evil has rid himself of magnanimity.

186 ـ مَنْ كافَيَ الإحْسانَ بِالإسائَةِ فَقَدْ بَرِيَ مِنَ المُرُوَّةِ

187 . Whoever does good to the people, their love for him lasts.

187 ـ مَنْ أحْسَنَ إلَى النّاسِ اسْتَدامَ مِنْهُمُ المَحَبَّةَ

188 . One who fulfils the [debt of] goodness that was done to him in the past has attained true freedom.

188 ـ مَنْ قَضى ما أُسْلِفَ مِنَ الإحْسانِ فَهُوَ الكامِلُ الحُرِيَّةِ

189 . One who turns to you hopefully has already got a good impression of you, so do not disappoint his expectation.

189 ـ مَنِ انْتَجَعَكَ مُؤَمِّلاً فَقَدْ أسْلَفَكَ حُسْنَ الظَّنِّ بِكَ فَلا تُخَيِّبْ ظَنَّهُ

190 . Whoever fulfils the rights of one who does not fulfil his rights has enslaved him.

190 ـ مَنْ قَضى حَقَّ مَنْ لايَقْضي حَقَّهُ فَقَدْ عَبَّدَهُ

191 . One who is kind to the people, his outcomes become good and the ways [to his goals] become easy for him.

191 ـ مَنْ أحْسَنَ إلَى النّاسِ حَسُنَتْ عَواقِبُهُ وسَهُلَتْ لَهُ طُرُقُهُ

192 . Whoever accepts a good turn has made the one who rendered it to him his master.

192 ـ مَنْ قَبِلَ مَعْرُوفاً فَقَدْ مَلَكَ مُسْديهِ إلَيْهِ رِقَّهُ

193 . One who accepts your good turn has made his right over you mandatory [on himself].

193 ـ مَنْ قَبِلَ مََعْرُوفَكَ فَقدْ أوْجَبَ عَلَيْكَ حَقَّهُ

194 . Whoever does good to the one who does evil to him has taken the all-encompassing excellence.

194 ـ مَنْ أحْسَنَ إلى مَنْ أساءَ إلَيْهِ فَقَدْ أخَذَ بِجَوامِعِ الفَضْلِ

195 . One who is not grateful for favours is not spared from deprivation.

195 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يَشْكُرِ الإحْسانَ لَمْ يَعْدُهُ الحِرْمانُ

196 . One who begins giving without being asked and completes good deeds without any obligation has perfected his favour.

196 ـ مَنْ بَدَأَ العَطِيَّةَ مِنْ غَيْرِ طَلَب وأكْمَلَ المَعْرُوفَ مِنْ غَيْرِ امْتِنان فَقَدْ أكْمَلَ الإحْسانَ

197 . One who bestows a favour on the ungrateful one prolongs his rage.

197 ـ مَنْ أنْعَمَ عَلَى الكَفُورِ طالَ غَيْظُهُ

198 . One who is generous in granting [favours], enthrals the people of this world.

198 ـ مَنْ سَمَحَتْ نَفْسُهُ بِالعَطاءِ اِسْتَعْبَدَ أبْناءَ الدُّنيا

199 . One who does not nurture his good turn has indeed lost it.

199 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُرَبِّ مَعْرُوفَهُ فَقَدْ ضَيَّعَهُ

200 . One who accepts your good turn has sold you his honour and magnanimity.

200 ـ مَنْ قَبِلَ مَعْرُوفَكَ فَقَدْ باعَكَ عِزَّتَهُ ومُرُوَّتَهُ

201 . One who accepts your good turn has humbled his prestige and honour before you.

201 ـ مَنْ قَبِلَ مَعْرُوفَكَ فَقَدْ أذَلَّ لَكَ جَلالَتَهُ وعِزَّتَهُ

202 . Whoever does not nurture his favour, then it is as if he did not bestow it.

202 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُرَبِّ مََعْرُوْفَهُ فَكَأنَّهُ لَمْ يَصْنَعْهُ

203 . Doing good to others is part of an honourable purpose.

203 ـ مِنْ شَرَفِ الهِمَّةِ بَذْلُ الإحْسانِ

204 . One of the greatest afflictions is wasting good turns [on the undeserving].

204 ـ مِنْ أعْظَمِ الفَجايِـعِ إضاعَةُ الصَّنايِـعِ

205 . One of the best favours is the favour that is done to the righteous.

205 ـ مِنْ أفْضَلِ الإحْسانِ الإحْسانُ إلَى الأبـْرارِ

206 . Nothing earns gratitude like doing good to others.

206 ـ مَا اكْتُسِبَ الشُّكْرُ بِمِثْلِ بَذْلِ المَعْرُوفِ

207 . Nothing enthrals people like doing [them] favours.

207 ـ مَا اسْتُرِقَّتِ الأعْناقُ بِمِثْلِ الإحْسانِ

208 . No one has appealed to me with an intercession that is greater in my sight than a favour that I had previously done to him, so that I may nurture it and follow it up with another [favour] like it; for indeed later refusals cut off the gratitude for earlier favours.

208 ـ ما تَوَسَّلَ أحَدٌ إلَيَّ بِوَسِيلَة أجَلَّ عِنْدي مِنْ يَد سَبَقَتْ مِنّي إلَيْهِ لاُِرَبِيَّها عِنْدَهُ بِاتِّباعِها أُخْتَها فَإنَّ مَنْعَ الأواخِرِ يَقْطَعُ شُكْرَ الأوائِلِ

209 . The basis of goodness is abandoning obligation through it.

209 ـ مِلاكُ المَعْرُوفِ تَرْكُ المَنِّ بِهِ

210 . With goodness [to others], there is loftiness.

210 ـ مَعَ الإحْسانِ تَـكُونُ الرَّفْعَةُ

211 . Nurturing a good turn [and completing it] is better than starting it [anew].

211 ـ مَرَبَّةُ المَعْرُوفِ أحْسَنُ مِنْ إبْتِدائِهِ

212 . How good a store [for the future] benevolence is!

212 ـ نِعْمَ الذُّخْرُ المَعْرُوفُ

213 . The best provision for the Hereafter is doing good to the people.

213 ـ نِعْمَ زادُ المَعادِ الإحْسانُ إلَى العِبادِ

214 . Achievement of glorious feats is through performing noble deeds.

214 ـ نَيْلُ المَ آثِرِ بِبَذْلِ المَكارِمِ

215 . Never regard what you give as too much, even if it is plenty, for indeed the good praise [you will get for your generosity] will be greater than it.

215 ـ لاتَسْتَكْثِرَنَّ العَطاءَ وإنْ كَثُرَ فَإنَّ حُسْنَ الثَّناءِ أكْثَرُ مِنْهُ

216 . Never regard what you give as great, even if it is substantial, for indeed the extent of [humiliation undergone through] begging is greater than that.

216 ـ لاتَسْتَعْظِمَنَّ النَّوالَ وإنْ عَظُمَ فَإنَّ قَدْرَ السُّؤالِ أعْظَمُ مِنْهُ

217 . One who does not show kindness [to others] in times of fortune will be abandoned in times of misfortune.

217 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُحْسِنْ في دَوْلَتِهِ خُذِلَ في نِكْبَتِهِ

218 . Whoever places his goodness with the one who does not deserve it has wasted it.

218 ـ واضِعُ مَعْرُوفِهِ عِنْدَ غَيْرِ مُسْتَحِقِّهِ مُضَيِّعٌ لَهُ

219 . Doing a good turn to those who deserve it subdues the enemy and protects from falling into evil.

219 ـ وَضْعُ الصَّنيعَةِ في أهْلِها يَكْبِتُ العَدُوَّ ويَقي مَصارِعَ السُّوءِ

220 . Never show your benevolence to the one who does not understand its value (or who is not good).

220 ـ لاتَضَعَنَّ مَعْرُوفَكَ عِنْدَ غَيْرِ عَرُوف (مََعْرُوف ).

221 . Do not do a good turn to the one who is ungrateful for your kindness.

221 ـ لاتَصْطَنِعْ مَنْ يَكْفُرُ بِرَّكَ

222 . Never hold back an act of benevolence, even if you do not find one who understands its value.

222 ـ لاتَمْنـَعَنَّ المَعْرُوفَ، وإنْ لَمْ تَجِدْ عَرُوفاً

223 . Do not be ashamed of giving little, for not giving at all is even less than that.

223 ـ لاتَسْتَحْيِ مِنْ إعْطاءِ القَليلِ، فَإنَّ الحِرْمانَ أقَلُّ مِنْهُ

224 . Never regard the abundance of what you have given to be much, for you are [in possession of] even more than that.

224 ـ لاتَسْتَكْثِرَنَّ الكَثيِرَ مِنْ نَوالِكَ، فَإنَّكَ أكْثَرُ مِنْهُ

225 . Never hold back from doing good turns and favours thereby being stripped of [your] ability.

225 ـ لاتَمْتَنِعَنَّ مِنْ فِعْلِ المَعْرُوفِ وَالإحْسانِ فَتُسْلَبَ الإمْكانَ

226 . Do not delay giving the needy to tomorrow, for you do not know what will happen to you or to him tomorrow.

226 ـ لاتُؤَخِّرْ إنالَةَ المُحْتاجِ إلى غَد، فَإنَّكَ لاتَدْرِي ما يَعْرِضُ لَكَ ولَهُ في غَد

227 . Let not your brother be stronger in his iniquity towards you than you are in your goodness [towards him].

227 ـ لايَكُونَنَّ أخُوكَ عَلَى الإساءَةِ إلَيْكَ أقْوى مِنْكَ عَلَى الإحْسانِ

228 . Never let the paucity of those who show gratitude for your benevolence deter you from it, for you have been thanked by the One who does not benefit from any of it; and more may be gained from the gratitude of the thankful than what is neglected by the ingrate.

228 ـ لايُزْهِدَنَّكَ فِي اصْطِناعِ المعْرُوفِ قِلَّةُ مَنْ يَشْكُرُهُ، فَقَدْ يَشْكُرُكَ عَلَيْهِ مَنْ لايَنْتَفِعُ بِشَـيْء مِنْهُ، وَقَدْ يُدْرَكُ مِنْ شُكْرِ الشّاكِرِ أكْثَرُ مِمّا أضاعَ الكافِرُ

229 . Do not help [anyone] against the one who has favoured you, for the one who helps against the one who has favoured him is stripped of his ability.

229 ـ لا تُعِنْ عَلى مَنْ أنْعَمَ عَلَيْكَ فَمَنْ أعانَ عَلى مَنْ أنْعَمَ عَلَيْهِ سُلِبَ الإمْكانَ

230 . Goodness does not thrive with the ignoble.

230 ـ لاتَزْكُو الصَّنيعَةُ مَعَ غَيْرِ أصيل

231 . The wicked do not do good to anyone except those who are like them.

231 ـ لا يَصْطَنِعُ اللِّئامُ إلاّ أمْثالَُهُمْ

232 . There is no merit loftier than benevolence.

232 ـ لافَضيلَةَ أجَلُ مِنَ الإحْسانِ

233 . There is no virtue greater than benevolence.

233 ـ لا مَنْقَبَةَ أفْضَلُ مِنَ الإحْسانِ

234 . There is no benevolence more misused than doing good to the ingrate.

234 ـ لامَعْرُوفَ أضْيَعُ مِنِ اصْطِناعِ الكَفُورِ

235 . There is no virtue in doing good to one who does not know its value.

235 ـ لاخَيْـرَ فِي المَعْرُوفِ إلى غَيْرِ عَرُوف

236 . A good turn does not benefit except with one who possesses loyalty and self-restraint.

236 ـ لاتَنْفَعُ الصَّنيعَةُ إلاّ في ذِي وَفاء وحَفيظَة

237 . Giving little is better than offering excuses [for not giving].

237 ـ يَسيرُ العَطاءِ خَيْـرٌمِنَ التَّعَلُّلِ بِالإعْتِذارِ

238 . Good turns do not thrive except with the honourable.

238 ـ لاتَزْكُو إلاّ عِنْدَ الكِرامِ الصَّنايِـعُ

239 . There is no virtue in the good turn that is reckoned [as a favour].

239 ـ لاخَيْرَ فِي المَعْرُوفِ المُحْصى

240 . The consequences of kindness are never dispraised.

240 ـ لاتُذَمُّ أبَداً عَواقِبُ الإحْسانِ

241 . None is praised except the one who shows his kindness.

241 ـ لا يُحْمَدُ إلاّ مَنْ بَذَلَ إحْسانَهُ

242 . It is enough of a donation to give what is [readily] available.

242 ـ كَفى بِالمَيْسُورِ رِفْداً

243 . Benevolence is the better of the two treasures.

243 ـ اَلْمَعْرُوفُ أفْضَلُ الكَنْزَيْنِ

244 . Good turns are shackles that cannot be extricated except through gratitude or requital.

244 ـ اَلمَعْرُوفُ غُلٌّ لايَفُكُّهُ إلاّ شُكْرٌ، أوْمُكافاةٌ

245 . Completing a good turn is better than starting it.

245 ـ إكْمالُ المَعْرُوفِ أحْسَنُ مِنْ إبْتِدائِهِ

246 . A benevolent action is not completed except by three things: by taking it to be insignificant, by expediting it and by concealing it; for when you take it to be insignificant, you have made it great; and when you expedite it, you have made it beneficial; and when you conceal it, you have made it complete.

246 ـ اَلمَعْرُوفُ لايَتِمُّ إلاّبِثَلاث: بِتَصْغيرِهِ، وتَعْجيلِهِ، وسَتْرِهِ، فَإنَّكَ إذا صَغَّرْتَهُ فَقَدْ عَظَّمْتَهُ، وإذا عَجَّلْتَهُ فَقَدْ هَنَّأْتَهُ وإذا سَتَـرْتَهُ فَقَدْ تَمَّمْتَهُ

247 . Doing a good turn is the best acquisition [for the Hereafter], and generosity is the best ornament.

247 ـ اَلإفْضالُ أفْضَلُ قِنْيَة، والسَّخاءُ أحْسَنُ حِلْيَة

248 . When the kind people become fewer, those who adorn themselves get ruined.

248 ـ إذا قَلَّ أهْلُ الفَضْلِ هَلَكَ أهْلُ التَّجَمُّلِ

249 . By doing good to others, ranks get elevated.

249 ـ بِالإفْضالِ تَعْظُمُ الأقْدارُ

250 . By conferring favours, people are enthralled.

250 ـ بِالإفْضالِ تُسْتَـرَقُّ الأعْناقُ

251 . Through [his] abundant favours, the munificent person is recognized.

251 ـ بِكَثْرَةِ الإفْضالِ يُعْرَفُ الكَريمُ

252 . By conferring favours [to others], [one’s] faults are hidden.

252 ـ بِالإفْضالِ تُسْتَـرُ العُيُوبُ

253 . Give life to your good deed by killing it (i.e. by forgetting it).

253 ـ أحْيِ مَعْرُوفَكَ بِإماتَتِهِ

254 . Do good whenever possible, and deter the evildoer with righteous action.

254 ـ إفْعَلِ المَعْرُوفَ ما أمْكَنَ، وازْجُرِ المُسِيءَ بِفِعْلِ المُحْسِنِ

255 . Extend your benevolence to all the people, for verily nothing can be equated with the virtue of a good turn in the sight of Allah, the Glorified.

255 ـ أُبْذُلْ مَعْرُوفَكَ لِلنّاسِ كافَّةً فَإنَّ فَضِيلَةَ فِعْلِ المَعْرُوفِ لايَعْدِلُها عِنْدَاللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ شَيْءٌ

256 . Give life to the benevolent act by killing it (i.e. forgetting it), for verily the sense of obligation destroys a good turn.

256 ـ أحْيُوا المَعْرُوفَ بِإماتَتِهِ، فَإنَّ المِنَّـةَ تَهْدِمُ الصَنِيعَةَ

257 . The best good deed is coming to the aid of the aggrieved.

257 ـ أفْضَلُ المَعْرُوفِ إغاثَةُ المَلْهُوفِ

258 . The loftiest good turn is that which is done to those who deserve it.

258 ـ أجَلُّ المَعْرُوفِ ما صُنِعَ إلى أهْلِهِ

259 . The best favour of the wicked person is holding back his harm [from others].

259 ـ أفْضَلُ مَعْرُوفِ اللَّئيمِ مَنْعُ أذائِهِ

260 . The ugliest deed of an honourable person is withholding his contribution.

260 ـ أقْبَحُ أفعالِ الكَرِيمِ مَنْعُ عَطائِهِ

261 . Verily the people who do good [to others] are more in need of doing it than those who request it from them.

261 ـ إنَّ بِأهْلِ المَعْرُوفِ مِنَ الحاجَةِ إلَى اصْطِناعِهِ أكْثَرَ مِمّا بِأهْلِ الرَّغْبَةِ إلَيْهِمْ مِنْهُ

262 . Benevolence is [a means of] servitude.

262 ـ اَلمَعْرُوفُ رِقٌّ

263 . The most profitable wares are the rendering of benevolent actions.

263 ـ أرْبَحُ البَضايِـعِ اِصْطِناعُ الصَّنايِعِ

264 . The perfection of giving is in expediting it.

264 ـ كَمالُ العَطِيَّةِ تَعْجِيلُها

265 . The human being is not enthralled until he is engulfed by favour.

265 ـ لَنْ يُسْتَرَقَّ الإنْسانُ حَتّى يَغْمُرَهُ الإحْسانُ

266 . One who is not good at seeking sympathy is faced with scorn.2

266 ـ مَنْ لَمْ يُحْسِنِ الاسْتِعْطافَ قُوبِلَ بِالاِسْتِخْفافِ

267 . Nothing enthrals the honourable ones like benevolence.

267 ـ مَا اسْتُعْبِدَ الكِرامُ بِمِثْلِ الإكْرامِ

268 . The best of treasures are: the good turn that is consigned to (or by) the free and the knowledge that is learned by the virtuous.

268 ـ أفْضَلُ الكُنُوزِ مَعْرُوفٌ يُودَعُ(يُودِعُهُ) الأحْرارُ، وعِلْمٌ يَتَدارَسَهُ الأخْيارُ

269 . Ingratitude for favours leads to deprivation.

269 ـ كُفْرانُ الإحْسانِ يُوجِبُ الحِرْمانَ

270 . One who withholds from giving is deprived of (or prevents) praise.

270 ـ مَنْ مَنََعَ العَطاءَ مَنَعَ الثَّناءَ

271 . Giving after having refused is more graceful than refusing after having given.

271 ـ اَلعَطِيَّةُ بَعْدَ المَنْعِ أجْمَلُ مِنَ المَنْعِ بَعْدَ العَطِيَّةِ

272 . Whoever does good to the people, Allah covers him with His mercy and places him in His pardon.

272 ـ مَنْ أحْسَنَ إلَى الرَّعِيَّةِ، نَشَرَ اللّهُ عَلَيْهِ جَناحَ رَحْمَتِهِ وأدْخَلَهُ في مَغْفِرَتِهِ

273 . Give whatever you are giving expeditiously and beneficially, and if you refuse then let it be with politeness and apology.

273 ـ أعْطِ ما تُعْطِيهِ مُعَجَّلاً مُهَنَّأً وإنْ مَنَعْتَ فَلْيَكُنْ في إجْمال وَإعْذار

274 . One who finds it easy to give away [his] wealth has hopes directed towards him.

274 ـ مَنْ هانَ عَلَيْهِ بَذْلُ الأمْوالِ تَوَجَّهَتْ إلَيْهِ الآمالُ

275 . One who loves to be remembered with praise should give generously from his wealth.

275 ـ مَنْ أحَبَّ الذِّكْرَ الجَميلَ فَلْيَبْذُلْ مالَهُ

276 . One who gives generously enthrals the people.

276 ـ مَنْ بَذَلَ مالَهُ اِسْتَرَقَّ الرِّقابَ

277 . Nothing spreads renown like generosity.

277 ـ ماشاعَ الذِّكْرُ بِمِثْلِ البَذْلِ

278 . Generosity is the expander of ability.

278 ـ اَلْبَذْلُ مادَّةُ الإمْكانِ

279 . Generosity earns praise.

279 ـ اَلبَذْلُ يَكْسِبُ الحَمْدَ

280 . Through generosity, praises are increased.

280 ـ بِالبَذْلِ تَكْثُرُ المَحامِدُ

281 . By being generous with blessings, the blessings last longer.

281 ـ بِبَذْلِ النِّعْمَةِ تُسْتَدامُ النِّعْمَةُ

282 . Increased generosity is a sign of nobility.

282 ـ كَثْرَةُ البَذْلِ آيَةُ النُّبْلِ

Notes

1. Or: People are the children of what they do best.

2. Or: One who does not consider compassion to be good is faced with scorn.