Hadith #2534

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 perfection of giving is in expediting it.

This enlightening saying highlights the importance of hastening in acts of charity and generosity. To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications.

The word "kamal" in Arabic means perfection or completion. It signifies the highest level of excellence and fulfillment. In this context, it refers to the ideal state of giving, where the act of charity is carried out in the best possible manner. The word "atyya" means giving or bestowing. It encompasses all forms of charity, whether it be monetary assistance, material possessions, or acts of kindness.

The Hadith emphasizes the significance of "t'ajil," which means expediting or hastening. It implies that the true perfection of giving lies in performing acts of charity promptly and without delay. This teaches us the importance of seizing opportunities to help others and not procrastinating in our acts of generosity.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 267:

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving from the best of what we have earned. It encourages us to be mindful of the quality of our charity and to avoid giving from that which is defective or of lesser value. By expediting our acts of giving, we ensure that we offer the best of what we possess, thereby attaining the perfection of giving.

Another verse that supports the concept of hastening in acts of charity is found in Surah Al-Mu'minun, verse 60:

And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling the rights of the needy promptly. By hastening in our acts of charity, we ensure that the deserving recipients receive their rights in a timely manner. This not only benefits the recipients but also brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) by following His commandments.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the motivation behind expediting acts of charity. When we promptly give to those in need, we alleviate their suffering and provide them with immediate relief. Our timely assistance can have a profound impact on their lives, giving them hope, comfort, and a sense of security. Moreover, by hastening in our acts of giving, we cultivate a spirit of selflessness and empathy within ourselves, which strengthens our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Conversely, delaying acts of charity can have negative consequences. It may lead to missed opportunities to help those in need, causing them further hardship. Additionally, delaying acts of giving can diminish the sincerity and impact of our charity. It may also create a sense of indifference or negligence towards the plight of others, which goes against the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the perfection of giving lies in expediting acts of charity. By promptly assisting those in need, we embody the spirit of selflessness and fulfill our duty as Muslims. We should strive to give from the best of what we possess, without delay, in order to attain the highest level of excellence in our acts of generosity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice this teaching in our lives and bless us with the rewards of giving.