Hadith #128

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

مَنْ أَيْقَنَ بِالْخَلَفِ جَادَ بِالْعَطِيَّةِ۔

This can be translated as,

He who is sure of a good return is generous in giving.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ayqana) "أَيْقَنَ" in this Hadith means to be certain or sure. It implies having complete faith and trust in the concept of (al-khalaf) "الْخَلَفِ", which refers to the rewards and blessings that await a person in the Hereafter. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing the importance of having unwavering belief in the promise of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) regarding the rewards for our good deeds.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 16:97)

Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.

This verse highlights the concept of a good return for those who engage in righteous actions. It assures us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will grant a good life in this world and an immense reward in the Hereafter to those who have faith and perform righteous deeds. This aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, emphasizing the importance of being certain about the rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that this certainty in the rewards of the Hereafter should manifest in our generosity and willingness to give. The word (jad) "جَادَ" in the Hadith means to be generous, open-handed, and liberal in giving. It implies going beyond the minimum requirements of charity and giving with a sincere and selfless heart.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages and praises those who are generous and charitable. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (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 beautifully illustrates the concept of generosity and its abundant rewards. Just as a single seed can produce a bountiful harvest, the act of giving generously in the way of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) multiplies our rewards manifold. It is a reflection of our faith and trust in the promise of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our certainty in the good return that awaits us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our generosity should not be limited to material possessions alone. It encompasses all forms of giving, including our time, knowledge, and support for those in need. By being generous in our actions, we not only benefit others but also purify our souls and strengthen our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of having unwavering faith in the rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Hereafter. It urges us to be certain of the good return that awaits us and to manifest this certainty through our generosity and willingness to give. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also reap the abundant rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and sincerity to embody the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.