Hadith #1441

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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 characteristic of miserliness, or being stingy, and its consequences. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that a miser is someone who is unwilling to spend even a small portion of their wealth on themselves, while leaving the entirety of their possessions for their heirs.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (bakhil) "بَخيل" refers to a person who is miserly or stingy. This individual is extremely reluctant to spend their wealth, even on their own needs and desires. The word (yabkhalu) "يَبْخَلُ" is the verb form of "بَخيل" and signifies the action of being stingy. The word (yasmahu) "يَسْمَحُ" means to leave or grant permission, indicating that the miser allows their heirs to inherit all of their wealth.

To gain a deeper understanding of the concept of miserliness, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of those who are stingy and miserly. Allah says in verse 100:

(Quran 17:89)

And We have certainly diversified [the contents] in this Qur'an that mankind may be reminded, but it does not increase the disbelievers except in aversion.

This verse highlights that the Quran contains various reminders and lessons for humanity, including the condemnation of miserliness. However, those who are disbelievers or have hardened hearts only become more averse to guidance when they encounter such reminders. This verse serves as a warning to Muslims against falling into the trap of miserliness, as it can lead to a hardening of the heart and a distancing from the teachings of the Quran.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah and being generous towards oneself and others. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says in verse 261:

(Quran 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 illustrates the immense reward and blessings that come from spending in the way of Allah. Just as a single seed can yield a bountiful harvest, the act of giving generously can result in multiplied blessings and abundance. It is a reminder for Muslims to be open-hearted and willing to spend their wealth for the sake of Allah and for the betterment of themselves and society.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The miser, as described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), is someone who is not only stingy towards themselves but also fails to fulfill their responsibilities towards others. They prioritize their own accumulation of wealth over the well-being and needs of those around them. This mindset not only hinders personal growth and development but also perpetuates a cycle of greed and selfishness within society.

By leaving all of their possessions for their heirs, the miser fails to recognize the importance of using wealth for charitable purposes and benefiting others during their lifetime. This behavior contradicts the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the virtues of generosity, kindness, and selflessness. The Quran encourages Muslims to spend their wealth in the way of Allah, to support the less fortunate, and to contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own attitudes towards wealth and possessions. It urges us to be mindful of the dangers of miserliness and the negative impact it can have on our spiritual and social well-being. Instead, we should strive to emulate the generosity and selflessness of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family, particularly Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his immense knowledge and willingness to share it with others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid the trap of miserliness and to embrace the virtues of generosity and selflessness. It calls upon us to reflect upon our own attitudes towards wealth and possessions, and to prioritize the well-being of others over our own accumulation of worldly possessions. By doing so, we can strive to embody the teachings of the Quran and the noble example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. May Allah guide us all to be generous and selfless in our actions and grant us the ability to use our wealth for the betterment of ourselves and society.