Hadith #2488

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of placing our acts of goodness and kindness in the hands of those who truly deserve it. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, warns us that if we give our goodness to someone who is undeserving, it will be wasted.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word (wadi'u) "واضِعُ" refers to the one who places or bestows something. (ma'rufihi) "مَعْرُوفِهِ" signifies acts of goodness, kindness, or benevolence. (inda) "عِنْدَ" conveys the idea of giving or entrusting something to someone. (ghayr mustahiqihi) "غَيْرِ مُسْتَحِقِّهِ" translates to

the one who does not deserve it.

Finally, (mudi'un lahu) "مُضَيِّعٌ لَهُ" means that the act of goodness will be wasted or lost.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of doing good deeds and helping others. However, the Quran also teaches us to be discerning in our actions and to give to those who are deserving.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:264)

Do not render in vain your charities by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen by people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day.

This verse highlights the importance of sincerity and intention in our acts of goodness. If we give to those who do not deserve it, seeking only recognition or worldly gain, our efforts will be in vain.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'un, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 107:1-6)

Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who repulses the orphan and does not encourage the feeding of the poor. So woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayer - those who make show [of their deeds].

This passage highlights the importance of not only performing acts of goodness but also ensuring that they reach those who truly need them. Giving to those who are undeserving or neglecting the needs of the vulnerable is condemned in the Quran.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for us to be mindful of the recipients of our acts of goodness. It urges us to assess the worthiness of those to whom we extend our help, ensuring that our efforts are not wasted or misused. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

For instance, let us consider the case of giving charity. If we give our charity to someone who is known to misuse or squander it, we are not fulfilling the true purpose of charity. Instead, we should seek out those who are genuinely in need, those who will utilize the assistance to improve their circumstances and benefit their community. By doing so, we ensure that our acts of goodness have a lasting and positive impact.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be discerning in their acts of goodness. It urges us to carefully consider the worthiness of those to whom we extend our help and to ensure that our efforts are not wasted. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can ensure that our acts of kindness have a meaningful and lasting impact on those who truly deserve it. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in our actions and help us make wise choices in bestowing our goodness upon others.