Hadith #5702

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, "ثَقِّلُوا مَوازينَكُمْ بِالصَّدَقَةِ۔" This can be translated as,

Make your weights [of good deeds] heavy with charity.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran. The word (thaqqiloo) "ثَقِّلُوا" means to make heavy or to give weight. It signifies the importance of increasing the weight of our good deeds. The word (mawazinakum) "مَوازِينَكُمْ" refers to the scales or balances on the Day of Judgment, where our deeds will be weighed. And the word (as-sadaqah) "الصَّدَقَةِ" means charity, which includes acts of kindness, generosity, and giving for the sake of Allah.

The Quran emphasizes the significance of good deeds and their weight on the Day of Judgment. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:8), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And the weighing [of deeds] that Day will be the truth. So those whose scales are heavy - it is they who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the importance of having heavy scales on the Day of Judgment, which can only be achieved through sincere acts of righteousness and charity.

Charity holds a special place in Islam as it purifies the soul, strengthens the bond of brotherhood, and brings blessings from Allah. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 giving in the way of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to make our weights heavy with charity. This means that we should prioritize acts of kindness, generosity, and giving in our lives. By doing so, we not only increase our chances of success in the Hereafter but also experience the positive impact of charity in our worldly lives.

When we engage in acts of charity, we become a source of relief for those in need. We alleviate their suffering and bring happiness to their lives. Moreover, charity helps us develop empathy, compassion, and gratitude. It reminds us of the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah and encourages us to share those blessings with others.

Furthermore, charity has a transformative effect on our own souls. It purifies our intentions and strengthens our connection with Allah. It teaches us to detach ourselves from worldly possessions and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By giving for the sake of Allah, we demonstrate our trust in His provision and acknowledge that everything we possess is ultimately from Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to make our weights heavy with charity. This entails prioritizing acts of kindness, generosity, and giving in our lives. By doing so, we not only increase our chances of success in the Hereafter but also experience the positive impact of charity in our worldly lives. Let us strive to be among those whose scales are heavy with good deeds on the Day of Judgment, and may Allah bless us with the ability to give generously for His sake.