Hadith #10098

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

مَنْ بَذَلَ مالَهُ اِسْتَعْبَدَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who gives [generously from] his wealth makes [others] subservient [to him].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (bazala) "بَذَلَ" in the Hadith means to give or spend. It signifies an act of generosity and selflessness, where one willingly parts with their wealth for the benefit of others. This act of giving is not limited to a specific amount or type of wealth, but rather encompasses any form of material or financial assistance that one can provide.

The word (malahu) "مَالَهُ" refers to one's wealth or possessions. It includes all forms of material resources, such as money, property, and assets. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of utilizing one's wealth for the betterment of society and the upliftment of others.

The word (ista'bad) "اِسْتَعْبَدَ" is derived from the root word (abad) "عَبَدَ", which means to serve or be subservient. In this context, it implies that the act of giving generously from one's wealth leads to a state of servitude, but not in the conventional sense. Rather, it refers to the influence and impact that a generous person has on others, as they become indebted and grateful for the assistance provided.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 highlights the immense rewards and blessings that come with spending one's wealth in the path of Allah. Just as a single seed can yield a bountiful harvest, the act of giving generously from one's wealth has the potential to multiply and benefit countless individuals. It not only helps those in need but also strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:7), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors. For those who have believed among you and spent, there will be a great reward.

This verse emphasizes the importance of belief in Allah and His Messenger, along with the act of spending from one's wealth. It reminds us that we are the successors of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and have a responsibility to continue his legacy of generosity and selflessness. By giving generously, we not only earn a great reward from Allah but also fulfill our duty as Muslims to support and uplift our fellow brothers and sisters.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be charitable and selfless in their dealings with wealth. It encourages us to go beyond the mere accumulation of material possessions and instead utilize our wealth for the betterment of society. By giving generously, we not only alleviate the hardships of others but also establish a sense of gratitude and indebtedness within them.

Moreover, this Hadith highlights the transformative power of generosity. When we give from our wealth, we not only make a positive impact on the lives of others but also elevate our own status. We become leaders and role models, inspiring others to follow in our footsteps and emulate our acts of kindness. Through our generosity, we create a ripple effect of goodness that extends far beyond our initial act of giving.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of giving generously from our wealth. It reminds us that true wealth lies not in the accumulation of material possessions, but in the ability to positively impact the lives of others. By being charitable and selfless, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also elevate our own spiritual status. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the means and the mindset to be generous and selfless in all aspects of our lives.