Hadith #5692

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

صَدَقَةُ العَلانِيَةِ تَدْفَعُ ميتَةَ السُّوءِ۔

This can be translated as,

Charity given openly repels ill-fated death.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The word (sadaqah) "صَدَقَةُ" refers to acts of charity or giving in the path of Allah. It encompasses various forms of giving, such as monetary donations, helping the needy, and performing acts of kindness. The term (al-'alaniyah) "العَلانِيَةِ" means openly or publicly. It signifies that the act of charity should not be done in secret, but rather, it should be performed openly, without any hidden motives or desire for recognition.

To understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:271),

If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you. And it will remove from you some of your misdeeds. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes the importance of openly giving charity and the benefits it brings. When we openly give charity, it serves as a means of inspiring others to do good and encourages a culture of generosity within society. Additionally, it helps remove arrogance and pride from our hearts, as we are reminded that all blessings come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and that we are merely a means of distributing His provisions.

Furthermore, the act of openly giving charity repels ill-fated death. This can be understood in two ways. Firstly, it serves as a means of seeking forgiveness and redemption from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we give openly, we acknowledge our blessings and express gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for His favors upon us. This act of gratitude and humility can lead to the forgiveness of our sins and protection from a harmful and ill-fated death.

Secondly, openly giving charity can have a positive impact on our own lives and well-being. When we engage in acts of charity, we experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. This positive energy and mindset can contribute to our overall well-being and protection from negative outcomes. It is a reflection of the principle mentioned in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of openly giving charity and its profound impact on our lives. By openly giving, we inspire others, seek forgiveness, and experience personal growth and protection. It is a reminder that our wealth and blessings are a trust from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and by sharing them openly, we can repel ill-fated outcomes and strive towards a life of righteousness and goodness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to give openly and generously, and may He protect us from ill-fated death.