Hadith #4369

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 Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اِسْتَنْزِلُوا الرِّزقَ بِالصَّدَقَةِ۔" This can be translated as,

Make sustenance come down by [giving] charity.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance and benefits of giving charity in increasing one's sustenance.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (istanzilu) "اِسْتَنْزِلُوا" is derived from the root word (nazala) "نَزَلَ", which means "to come down" or "to descend." It signifies the act of bringing something down from a higher position to a lower one. In this context, it refers to the descent of sustenance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to His creation.

The word (ar-riqq) "الرِّزقَ" refers to sustenance or provisions that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His creation. It encompasses not only material wealth but also encompasses spiritual, emotional, and intellectual provisions. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses all that is necessary for the well-being and growth of an individual.

The word (bi-sadaqah) "بِالصَّدَقَةِ" means "by charity." It refers to the act of giving willingly and selflessly for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Charity is not limited to monetary donations but also includes acts of kindness, helping others, and sharing one's knowledge and skills. It is a means of purifying one's wealth and earning the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 ayah highlights the concept of giving charity and its abundant rewards. Just as a single seed can yield a bountiful harvest, the act of giving charity multiplies one's blessings and sustenance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the One who bestows sustenance, and He has promised to increase the provisions of those who give in His cause.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Tawbah (9:103), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah's blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse emphasizes the purification and increase that comes from giving charity. It purifies the hearts of the believers and increases their provisions, both materially and spiritually. The act of giving charity is a means of seeking Allah's blessings and invoking His mercy upon oneself.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that giving charity is not merely a financial transaction but a means of seeking Allah's pleasure and increasing our provisions. When we give selflessly and sincerely, we open the doors for Allah's blessings to descend upon us. Our sustenance, in all its forms, is increased as a result of our acts of charity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of charity in our lives. By giving generously, we not only benefit others but also invite Allah's mercy and blessings into our own lives. Let us strive to emulate the noble example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and make charity a cornerstone of our lives, knowing that it is a means of increasing our sustenance and earning the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to give generously and bless us with abundant provisions.