Hadith #1424

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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) states, "بِئْسَ الخَليقَةُ البُخْلُ۔" This translates to

The worst trait is stinginess.

In this enlightening Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative characteristic of being stingy or miserly.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (bis) "بِئْسَ" denotes something that is extremely bad, wretched, or evil. It emphasizes the severity and repulsiveness of the trait being discussed. (al-khaliqah) "الخَليقَةُ" refers to a quality or attribute that is inherent in a person's nature or character. And finally, (al-bukhl) "البُخْلُ" refers to stinginess or miserliness, which is the unwillingness to spend or share wealth or resources.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and condemns the act of stinginess. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:57)

And spend of what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, 'My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.'

This verse highlights the regret that a person may feel when they realize the value of generosity after it is too late.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah states, (17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse warns against the detrimental consequences of stinginess, which can lead to a person being criticized and financially burdened.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of being generous and selfless. Stinginess not only harms the individual who possesses this trait but also has negative effects on society as a whole. When people are unwilling to share their wealth and resources, it leads to inequality, poverty, and a lack of compassion.

The consequences of stinginess can be seen in various aspects of life. For instance, in personal relationships, being stingy can strain bonds and create a sense of mistrust. In business and economic matters, stinginess can hinder growth and prevent the circulation of wealth. Moreover, in the realm of spirituality, stinginess can hinder one's spiritual development and distance them from the path of righteousness.

Conversely, generosity is highly praised in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, (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 highlights the immense rewards and blessings that come with being generous and spending in the way of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of avoiding stinginess and embracing generosity. Stinginess is a negative trait that is condemned in Islam, as it goes against the principles of compassion, justice, and social responsibility. By being generous and selfless, Muslims can contribute to the betterment of society and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to embody the qualities of generosity and protect us from the vice of stinginess.