Hadith #1801

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ لَمْ يَجُِدْ لَمْ يُحْمَدْ۔

This can be translated as,

One who does not show generosity is not praised.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (yajid) "يَجُِدْ" in the Hadith refers to the act of showing generosity or kindness. It encompasses various forms of benevolence, such as giving charity, helping others, and displaying compassion. This Hadith emphasizes the importance of generosity in earning praise and commendation.

The Quranic verses echo this sentiment and highlight the significance of generosity. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261),

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 emphasizes the rewards and blessings that come from spending wealth in the path of Allah, which includes acts of generosity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:274), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Those who spend their wealth [in Allah's way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse highlights the importance of both public and private acts of generosity, emphasizing that those who give generously will be rewarded by Allah and will have no fear or grief.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that true praise and commendation are reserved for those who actively engage in acts of generosity. It is not enough to simply possess wealth or knowledge; rather, it is the action of sharing and giving that earns one praise and admiration.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to cultivate a spirit of generosity in their lives. By being generous, we not only benefit others but also purify our own souls and draw closer to Allah. Acts of generosity can take many forms, such as providing financial assistance to those in need, offering a helping hand to the less fortunate, or even sharing knowledge and wisdom with others.

The consequences of not showing generosity, as mentioned in the Hadith, are that one will not be praised. This implies that a lack of generosity leads to a missed opportunity for commendation and recognition. Moreover, it may also result in a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction within oneself. By withholding generosity, one denies themselves the blessings and rewards that come from selflessly giving to others.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the exemplary character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His knowledge and wisdom were not confined to theoretical understanding but were manifested in his actions. He was known for his generosity, kindness, and selflessness, setting a shining example for all Muslims to follow.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of generosity in earning praise and commendation. It urges Muslims to actively engage in acts of kindness and benevolence, drawing inspiration from the Quranic verses that emphasize the rewards and blessings of generosity. By embodying the spirit of generosity, we not only benefit others but also purify our own souls and draw closer to Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to be generous and earn His praise.