Hadith #9908

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما أَهْنَأَ العَطاءَ مَنْ مَنَّ بِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

He who puts an obligation [on others] has not made his grant pleasing.

In this beautiful saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of giving without expecting anything in return.

To fully understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (ahna'a) "أَهْنَأَ" comes from the root word (hana'a) "هَنَأَ", which means to make something pleasing or agreeable. In this context, it refers to the act of giving or granting something in a way that brings joy and satisfaction to the recipient.

The word (ataa') "عَطاءَ" means giving or bestowing. It signifies the act of voluntarily offering something to someone without any expectation of reciprocation. It is an act of selflessness and generosity.

The phrase (man manna bihi) "مَنْ مَنَّ بِهِ" can be translated as

he who puts an obligation [on others].

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is referring to those who give with the intention of expecting something in return. They attach conditions or obligations to their gifts, thereby diminishing the true essence of giving.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran. 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 emphasizes the concept of giving without expecting anything in return. When we give solely for the sake of Allah, without attaching any conditions or obligations, He multiplies our rewards manifold.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan (76:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

They give food out of love for Him to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse exemplifies the selflessness and sincerity of those who give solely for the sake of Allah. They seek no reward or gratitude from the recipients, but rather aim to please Allah and attain His pleasure.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to give selflessly and without any expectations. When we give with the intention of pleasing Allah and seeking His pleasure alone, our acts of charity become more meaningful and rewarding. By detaching ourselves from any obligations or expectations, we purify our intentions and elevate our acts of giving to a higher spiritual level.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this principle throughout his life. His knowledge and wisdom were unparalleled, and he shared his knowledge generously without expecting anything in return. He was known for his selflessness and his willingness to help others without imposing any obligations on them. His actions were guided by his deep understanding of the teachings of the Quran and the importance of selfless giving.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the true essence of giving. It urges us to give without expecting anything in return, to detach ourselves from any obligations or conditions, and to seek the pleasure of Allah alone. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also attain spiritual growth and closeness to Allah. May Allah guide us all to be selfless and sincere in our acts of giving.