Hadith #4811

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

The ugliest [form of] giving is extravagance.

This Hadith highlights the negative aspect of giving when it is done in a wasteful and excessive manner. To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words and their implications.

The word (giving) "بَذْلِ" refers to the act of bestowing or offering something to others. It encompasses various forms of giving, such as charity, kindness, and generosity. Giving is an essential aspect of Islam, as it promotes compassion, empathy, and social welfare.

The word (extravagance) "سَّرَفُ" refers to excessive spending or wastefulness. It implies going beyond the limits of moderation and indulging in unnecessary extravagance. Extravagance is condemned in Islam, as it leads to the squandering of resources and neglect of those in need.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:29),

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

This verse warns against both stinginess and extravagance. It encourages Muslims to strike a balance in their spending, avoiding both extremes.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

This verse emphasizes the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, including spending. Muslims are encouraged to enjoy the blessings provided by Allah but should not indulge in excessive consumption.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we can derive several profound lessons. Firstly, this Hadith reminds us that giving should be done with wisdom and moderation. It is important to assess the needs of others and give accordingly, without going to extremes. By doing so, we ensure that our giving is effective and beneficial.

Secondly, this Hadith highlights the importance of responsible stewardship of resources. Extravagance not only harms the individual but also has wider societal and environmental consequences. By practicing moderation in our spending, we can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable society.

Additionally, this Hadith serves as a reminder that Islam promotes a balanced and holistic approach to life. It encourages Muslims to fulfill their needs and enjoy the blessings of this world, but within the boundaries set by Allah. By avoiding extravagance, we can maintain a sense of gratitude and contentment, recognizing that true happiness lies in the remembrance of Allah and the well-being of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of giving in a responsible and moderate manner. Extravagance is condemned as it goes against the principles of Islam and leads to wastefulness. By reflecting on the guidance of the Quran, we can understand the deeper implications of this Hadith and strive to embody its teachings in our lives as Muslims. May Allah guide us to be mindful and balanced in our giving, and may He bless us with the ability to help others in a way that is pleasing to Him.