Hadith #1463

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

ما عَقَلَ مَنْ بَخِلَ بِإحسانِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

He who is stingy with his favours is not intelligent.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (a'qala) "عَقَلَ" refers to intelligence or wisdom. It encompasses the ability to comprehend, reason, and make sound judgments. (bakhila) "بَخِلَ" means to be stingy or miserly, withholding one's generosity and favors. And (ihsanihi) "إحسانِهِ" refers to acts of kindness, goodness, and benevolence.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and kindness towards others. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261, Allah says,

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 reward and blessings that come with being generous. When we give selflessly, Allah multiplies our rewards and blesses us abundantly. It is through acts of kindness and generosity that we truly reflect the wisdom and intelligence bestowed upon us by Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah states,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that true righteousness lies in acts of charity and kindness towards others. It is not merely about outward rituals, but rather about embodying the values of compassion and generosity. By being stingy with our favors, we fail to fulfill the true essence of righteousness and intelligence.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense wisdom and knowledge, reminds us through this Hadith that true intelligence lies in recognizing the value of our blessings and using them to benefit others. When we are generous with our favors, we not only uplift those in need but also cultivate a sense of gratitude and humility within ourselves.

Stinginess, on the other hand, leads to a narrow-minded and self-centered approach to life. It hinders our growth as individuals and prevents us from experiencing the true beauty of giving. By withholding our favors, we deny ourselves the opportunity to make a positive impact and contribute to the well-being of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for all Muslims. It teaches us that true intelligence lies in being generous with our favors and using them to benefit others. By embodying the values of kindness and compassion, we not only fulfill our duty as believers but also cultivate a sense of gratitude and humility within ourselves. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to be generous and compassionate towards others, and may He bless us with the ability to recognize and appreciate the blessings He has bestowed upon us.