Hadith #2551

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 family, his noble companions, and all the righteous Muslims.

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

بِبَذْلِ النِّعْمَةِ تُسْتَدامُ النِّعْمَةُ۔

This can be translated as,

By being generous with blessings, the blessings last longer.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith in the light of the Quran. The key word in this Hadith is (bathl) "بَذْلِ", which means to give or bestow. It implies the act of generously sharing one's blessings and favors with others. The word (ni'mah) "نِّعْمَةِ" refers to blessings, favors, or bounties bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses both material and spiritual blessings, such as wealth, knowledge, health, and guidance.

The Hadith emphasizes the importance of being generous with our blessings. It teaches us that when we share our blessings with others, they not only benefit from them, but the blessings themselves also endure and remain with us. This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to be charitable and generous:

(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.

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of generosity. When we give for the sake of Allah, seeking His pleasure alone, He promises to reward us abundantly. Our act of giving becomes an investment in the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. Moreover, Allah assures us that we will not be wronged or deprived of anything by being generous. On the contrary, our blessings will increase and be preserved.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Ibrahim:

(Quran 14:7)

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of gratitude, which is closely related to generosity. When we are grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, and we express that gratitude through acts of generosity, Allah promises to increase us in favor. Our blessings are multiplied and preserved when we acknowledge and appreciate them.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for us to be mindful of our blessings and to share them generously with others. By doing so, we not only benefit those in need, but we also ensure the continuity and preservation of our own blessings. When we give, we create a positive cycle of abundance and gratitude, attracting more blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) into our lives.

Furthermore, this Hadith teaches us the importance of selflessness and empathy. It encourages us to look beyond our own needs and desires and to extend a helping hand to those who are less fortunate. By doing so, we embody the noble qualities of compassion and kindness, which are highly regarded in Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of being generous with our blessings. It urges us to share our wealth, knowledge, time, and other resources with others, knowing that by doing so, our blessings will not only benefit those in need but will also be preserved and multiplied by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to embody the spirit of generosity and gratitude, for it is through these noble qualities that we can attain lasting blessings and the pleasure of our Lord. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and enable us to be generous and grateful Muslims.