Hadith #1422

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of stinginess. The Arabic word used in this Hadith is (al-bukhl) "البُخْلُ", which refers to the trait of being stingy or miserly. It is important to understand the implications of this word in order to fully comprehend the message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Stinginess is a negative characteristic that manifests in a person's unwillingness to spend or share their wealth, possessions, or blessings with others. It is a trait that diminishes the individual's self-worth and respect in the eyes of others. The one who possesses this trait becomes humiliated and belittled, as their unwillingness to be generous or charitable reflects a lack of compassion and empathy towards others.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and spending in His Book. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:245)

Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned

This verse highlights the concept of giving generously to Allah, which includes spending in His cause and helping those in need. By doing so, Allah promises to multiply the rewards for the individual. This demonstrates that generosity is not only beneficial for others but also for the person who gives.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent

This verse warns against the extremes of stinginess and extravagance. It advises moderation in spending and encourages Muslims to strike a balance between fulfilling their own needs and fulfilling the needs of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. Stinginess not only brings humiliation to the individual but also distances them from the blessings and rewards that come with generosity. When a person is stingy, they are depriving themselves of the opportunity to earn the pleasure of Allah and the respect of others.

Moreover, stinginess can have detrimental effects on one's relationships and social interactions. When a person consistently refuses to share their wealth or help those in need, they create a divide between themselves and others. This can lead to isolation, resentment, and a loss of trust. On the other hand, those who turn away from stinginess and embrace generosity are elevated in the eyes of others. Their selflessness and willingness to help others create a positive impact on their relationships and society as a whole.

To illustrate the consequences of stinginess, let us consider an example. Imagine a person who is known for their wealth but is extremely reluctant to spend it on others. They hoard their wealth and refuse to contribute to charitable causes or assist those in need. As a result, this person becomes isolated and loses the respect and admiration of their community. People perceive them as selfish and uncaring, which leads to their own humiliation and degradation.

Conversely, consider another individual who is known for their generosity and willingness to help others. This person is always ready to lend a helping hand, contribute to charitable causes, and support those in need. As a result, they are highly regarded and respected by their community. Their selflessness and compassion elevate their status and bring them closer to Allah's pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid the trap of stinginess. By embracing generosity and sharing our blessings with others, we not only elevate ourselves in the eyes of Allah but also in the eyes of our fellow Muslims. Stinginess brings humiliation and isolation, while generosity brings respect and unity. May Allah guide us all to be generous and compassionate individuals who strive to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).