Hadith #1406

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of stinginess in spending from one's wealth, specifically in regards to fulfilling the obligations set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word used in the Hadith for stinginess is (al-bukhl) "البُخْلُ", which refers to a miserly and tight-fisted attitude towards spending. It is a characteristic that is condemned in Islam, as it goes against the teachings of generosity and charity.

To understand the gravity of this type of stinginess, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:29),

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striking a balance in spending. Being excessively stingy, represented by the hand chained to the neck, is condemned as it leads to a state of blame and insolvency. On the other hand, being excessively extravagant, represented by extending the hand completely, is also discouraged as it can lead to financial difficulties.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the believers, saying,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the believers. They not only love and welcome the immigrants, but they also prioritize their needs over their own, even if they themselves are in need. This exemplifies the spirit of spending in the way of Allah and fulfilling the obligations set by Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith emphasizes that stinginess in fulfilling the obligations set by Allah is the worst form of stinginess. When a person withholds spending from their wealth that Allah has made obligatory, such as paying Zakat or fulfilling other financial responsibilities, it reflects a lack of faith and a disregard for the rights of others. This type of stinginess not only deprives those in need but also deprives the individual of the blessings and rewards that come with fulfilling these obligations.

The consequences of such stinginess are far-reaching. It not only affects the individual's relationship with Allah but also impacts their relationships with others. Stinginess breeds selfishness and a lack of empathy towards the needs of others. It hinders the growth of a compassionate and caring society, where individuals support and uplift one another.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of fulfilling their financial obligations towards Allah and their fellow human beings. It encourages us to be mindful of our spending habits and to be generous in fulfilling the rights of others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our religious duties but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims about the importance of avoiding stinginess in fulfilling the obligations set by Allah. It highlights the gravity of withholding wealth that Allah has made obligatory and emphasizes the negative consequences of such behavior. By reflecting on this Hadith and seeking guidance from the Quran, Muslims are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of generosity and selflessness in their financial dealings, thereby strengthening their relationship with Allah and fostering a compassionate society. May Allah guide us all to be generous and fulfill our obligations with sincerity and humility.