Hadith #10703

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the qualities that make individuals the best in both this world and the Hereafter. The key words in this Hadith are (the generous ones) "الأسْخِياءُ" and (the God-wary) "الأتْقِياءُ".

The term "الأسْخِياءُ" refers to those who are generous, selfless, and open-handed in their actions and dealings with others. They are not only generous with their wealth, but also with their time, knowledge, and compassion. Their generosity extends beyond material possessions and encompasses all aspects of their lives. This includes being generous in forgiving others, in offering support and assistance, and in spreading goodness and kindness.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of generosity in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:245)

Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.

This verse encourages believers to be generous and lend to Allah by spending in His cause, promising that He will multiply their rewards. It highlights the concept of giving without expecting anything in return, which is a characteristic of the generous ones.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 illustrates the abundance and blessings that come from spending in the way of Allah. It encourages believers to be generous and assures them of the multiplied rewards that await them.

The second term in the Hadith, "الأتْقِياءُ" refers to those who are God-wary, conscious of Allah's presence, and constantly striving to fulfill their duties towards Him. They are mindful of their actions, thoughts, and intentions, and seek to please Allah in all aspects of their lives. They are cautious of falling into sin and are constantly seeking to purify their hearts and souls.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of taqwa (God-consciousness) and its significance in attaining success in this world and the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse highlights that true nobility and superiority lie in righteousness and taqwa, not in worldly status or wealth. It emphasizes that the God-wary are the ones who are truly honored and esteemed in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:102)

O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims [in submission to Him].

This verse emphasizes the importance of taqwa and reminds believers to fear Allah and submit to Him in all aspects of their lives. It encourages them to live a life of piety and righteousness, constantly striving to please Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to strive for excellence in both this world and the Hereafter. By embodying the qualities of generosity and taqwa, we can attain success and earn the pleasure of Allah. The generous ones are not only blessed with abundant rewards in this world, but their generosity also leads to a positive impact on society and the well-being of others. Similarly, the God-wary are the ones who attain true success and honor, as they constantly strive to fulfill their obligations towards Allah and seek His pleasure.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of being generous in all aspects of our lives and cultivating taqwa in our hearts. By being generous, we can contribute to the betterment of society and earn the pleasure of Allah. By being God-wary, we can attain true success and honor in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these qualities and strive to be among the best people in this world and the Hereafter.