Hadith #2486

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) emphasizes the importance of humility and the avoidance of arrogance when giving to others. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith, exploring its underlying meanings and drawing upon the guidance of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (what you give) "نَوَالَ" and (begging) "سُؤَالِ". The word "نَوَالَ" refers to any form of charity, generosity, or giving, while "سُؤَالِ" refers to the act of begging or seeking assistance from others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of giving and the importance of humility in doing so. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 3:92)

You will never attain righteousness until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it

This verse highlights the idea that true righteousness is achieved when we give from what we hold dear. It reminds us that our acts of charity should be driven by sincere intentions and a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Allah. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further emphasizes this point by cautioning against regarding our giving as great or significant.

The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) explains that even if our giving is substantial, we should not consider it as such. This is because the extent of humiliation experienced by those who are forced to beg is far greater than any amount we may give. By recognizing this, we are reminded of the importance of humility and empathy when giving to others.

The Quran also teaches us the virtue of humility and the dangers of arrogance. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 31:18)

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful

This verse serves as a reminder that arrogance and pride have no place in the hearts of believers. It warns against looking down upon others or considering ourselves superior due to our acts of charity. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reinforces this message by urging us to avoid regarding our giving as great, as it can lead to arrogance and a sense of superiority.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand its profound implications. It teaches us to approach our acts of charity with humility, recognizing that our giving is a means of seeking closeness to Allah rather than a source of personal pride. It reminds us to be mindful of the struggles faced by those who are forced to beg and to treat them with compassion and respect.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to examine our intentions when giving. Are we giving solely for the sake of Allah, or are we seeking recognition and praise from others? By purifying our intentions and seeking the pleasure of Allah alone, our acts of charity become a means of spiritual growth and a reflection of our love for Him.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and sincerity in our acts of charity. It cautions against regarding our giving as great and highlights the greater humiliation endured by those who are forced to beg. By reflecting on the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to embody these virtues and approach our acts of charity with a humble and empathetic mindset. May Allah guide us all to be generous and humble Muslims.