Hadith #1432

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما أقْبَحَ البُخْلَ مَعَ الإكْثارِ۔

This can be translated as,

How revolting is stinginess with affluence!

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the repulsiveness of being miserly despite having an abundance of wealth or resources.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (aqbah) "أقْبَحَ" means something that is ugly, repulsive, or detestable. (bukhl) "البُخْلَ" refers to stinginess or miserliness, which is the act of withholding or being reluctant to spend or share one's wealth. (ma'a) "مَعَ" means "with" or "alongside," indicating a connection or association. Lastly, (al-ikthar) "الإكْثارِ" means abundance or plenty.

The Quran provides us with guidance and teachings that shed light on the importance of generosity and the consequences of stinginess. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261),

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

This verse emphasizes the blessings and rewards that come from spending in the way of Allah and highlights the abundance that can be attained through generosity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of stinginess, stating,

And say: 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse reminds us to seek Allah's support and guidance in all aspects of our lives, including our financial matters. By being generous and avoiding stinginess, we can attain the support and blessings of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the contradiction and ugliness of being stingy despite having an abundance of wealth. It serves as a reminder to Muslims that wealth is a blessing from Allah and should be used for the betterment of society and the fulfillment of our responsibilities towards others. Stinginess, on the other hand, goes against the principles of Islam and hinders the progress and well-being of individuals and communities.

When a person is blessed with affluence, it is expected that they would use their resources to help those in need, support charitable causes, and contribute to the betterment of society. By doing so, they not only fulfill their obligations as Muslims but also experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from helping others. Conversely, when someone hoards their wealth and refuses to share it with those in need, they not only deprive themselves of the blessings and rewards of generosity but also contribute to the perpetuation of poverty and inequality.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a call to action for Muslims to reflect on their own attitudes towards wealth and to strive towards generosity and selflessness. It encourages us to examine our own behavior and ensure that we are not falling into the trap of stinginess, especially when we have been blessed with abundance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the repulsiveness of stinginess in the face of affluence. It urges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards wealth and encourages us to be generous and selfless in our actions. By following the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to be individuals who use our wealth and resources for the betterment of society and the attainment of Allah's blessings. May Allah guide us all on the path of generosity and grant us the ability to overcome the vice of stinginess.