Hadith #4726

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of two noble qualities: generosity (sakhā) and good etiquette (ḥusn al-khulq). These qualities are not only virtuous in themselves, but they also have profound effects on our lives as Muslims.

Let us first delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. "Sakhā" refers to the act of giving generously and selflessly, without expecting anything in return. It encompasses acts of charity, kindness, and benevolence towards others. "Ḥusn al-khulq" refers to having good manners, displaying kindness, and treating others with respect and dignity.

The Hadith states that these two qualities, generosity and good etiquette, have multiple benefits. Firstly, they increase sustenance (rizq). This can be understood in two ways. On a material level, being generous and having good etiquette can lead to blessings in our wealth and provisions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 2:272)

And whatever you spend in good, it is for yourselves, when you spend not except seeking the countenance of Allah. And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged.

Secondly, generosity and good etiquette increase sustenance on a spiritual level. When we give selflessly and treat others with kindness, we develop a sense of contentment and satisfaction within ourselves. This spiritual nourishment is a form of sustenance that brings peace and tranquility to our hearts. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 64:16)

And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

Furthermore, the Hadith states that these two qualities also bring about adoration (mahabbah). When we are generous and display good etiquette, we earn the love and respect of those around us. Our actions have a profound impact on others, and when we treat them with kindness and generosity, they are naturally drawn towards us. This love and adoration from others is a reflection of the love and adoration that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has for those who possess these noble qualities.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the importance of generosity and good etiquette. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 25:63)

And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse highlights the importance of responding to negativity with kindness and peace, which is a manifestation of good etiquette.

In another verse, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 76:8-9)

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse emphasizes the virtue of generosity and selflessness, as it encourages giving to those in need without expecting anything in return.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of embracing generosity and good etiquette in our lives as Muslims. These qualities not only increase our sustenance, both materially and spiritually, but they also earn us the love and adoration of those around us. Let us strive to embody these noble traits and follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his immense knowledge and embodiment of these qualities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice generosity and good etiquette in all aspects of our lives.