Hadith #1460

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 and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of generosity and stinginess in relation to one's wealth. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by analyzing the key words and their implications.

The word (bakhīla) "بَخِلَ" refers to stinginess or miserliness, which is the act of withholding or being reluctant to spend one's wealth. (mālihi) "مَالِهِ" refers to one's wealth or possessions. (jāda) "جَادَ" means to be generous or liberal, indicating the opposite of stinginess. (baʿli ʿirṣihi) "بَعْلِ عِرْسِهِ" refers to the husband of one's wife after divorce or death.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and spending in His book. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261, Allah 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 highlights the immense rewards and blessings that come from spending in the way of Allah. It teaches us that generosity is not only beneficial for others, but it also brings about abundance and increase in our own wealth. By being generous with our wealth, we open the doors for Allah's blessings to flow into our lives.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah and relying on Him for our provisions. By being stingy and withholding our wealth, we are essentially denying ourselves the opportunity to receive the sustenance that Allah has promised us.

Now, let us reflect on the deeper meaning of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the contrast between being stingy with one's wealth towards oneself and being generous with it towards the husband of one's ex-wife. This serves as a powerful reminder that our generosity should extend beyond ourselves and our immediate needs.

By being stingy with our wealth towards ourselves, we display a lack of trust in Allah's promise of sustenance and abundance. We limit ourselves and miss out on the blessings that come from giving. On the other hand, by being generous with our wealth towards others, especially those who may have a greater need, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's provision and our willingness to share the blessings bestowed upon us.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to break free from the chains of stinginess and embrace the liberating act of generosity. By doing so, we not only benefit others but also elevate our own spiritual state. Our generosity becomes a means of purifying our souls, increasing our blessings, and seeking the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be generous with their wealth and to overcome the inclination towards stinginess. It teaches us that true wealth lies not in hoarding possessions but in sharing and giving to others. By being generous, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble Ahl al-Bayt. May Allah guide us to be generous and selfless in all aspects of our lives.