Hadith #2496

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of not delaying acts of charity and assistance to those in need. The key words in this Hadith are (do not delay) "لا تؤخر", (giving) "إنالة", (the needy) "المحتاج", and (tomorrow) "غد".

The phrase "لا تؤخر" emphasizes the urgency and immediacy of the action, urging Muslims to not postpone or delay their charitable deeds. It highlights the importance of taking immediate action when it comes to helping those in need.

The word "إنالة" refers to giving or providing assistance. It encompasses various forms of charity, including financial aid, material support, and emotional help. This Hadith encourages Muslims to be proactive in their efforts to alleviate the suffering of others.

The term "المحتاج" refers to the needy or the one who is in need. It encompasses individuals who lack basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare. This Hadith emphasizes the responsibility of Muslims to address the needs of these individuals and not to turn a blind eye to their suffering.

Lastly, the word "غد" refers to tomorrow. It serves as a reminder that the future is uncertain, and we cannot predict what will happen to us or to those in need. This Hadith urges Muslims to act in the present moment and not to postpone acts of charity, as we may not have the opportunity to do so in the future.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267):

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 what is good and pure, without seeking recognition or expecting anything in return. It encourages Muslims to be mindful of the quality of their charity and to give generously without hesitation.

In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's assistance and guidance in our actions. By giving to the needy without delay, we are demonstrating our reliance on Allah and seeking His blessings in our endeavors.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be proactive in their efforts to help those in need. It encourages us to prioritize acts of charity and not to postpone them for the future. By taking immediate action, we not only alleviate the suffering of others but also strengthen our relationship with Allah and seek His blessings.

Delaying acts of charity can have serious consequences. It may result in missed opportunities to make a positive impact on someone's life or even our own. Additionally, postponing acts of charity can lead to a hardening of the heart and a decrease in empathy towards the plight of the less fortunate.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should ask ourselves: How often do we delay acts of charity? Are we truly prioritizing the needs of others? Are we actively seeking opportunities to help those in need? By answering these questions honestly, we can strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfill our duty towards the less fortunate.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of not delaying acts of charity and assistance to those in need. It urges Muslims to take immediate action and not to postpone acts of kindness to the future. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty towards the less fortunate but also strengthen our relationship with Allah and seek His blessings. May Allah guide us to be proactive in our efforts to help those in need and grant us the ability to make a positive impact in the lives of others.