Hadith #9171

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 righteous companions.

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

الكريم من جاء بالموجود

which translates to

The munificent person is one who brings [and gives away] whatever is available.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (al-karim) "الكريم" refers to a person who is generous, noble, and honorable. It is derived from the root word (karama) "كَرَمَ", which means to be generous and to bestow favors upon others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the virtue of generosity and selflessness in this Hadith.

The phrase (man jaa'a bil-mawjood) "مَنْ جاءَ بِالمَوْجُودِ" can be understood as someone who brings and gives away whatever is available to them. This implies that a munificent person is not limited by the quantity or value of what they possess, but rather focuses on sharing and giving to others, regardless of the abundance or scarcity of their resources.

The Quranic verses support the concept of generosity and selflessness emphasized in this Hadith. 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 reward and blessings that come with spending in the way of Allah. It encourages Muslims to be generous and selfless, assuring them that their acts of charity will be multiplied and rewarded by Allah. The munificent person, as described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), understands the importance of giving and realizes that their wealth is a means to benefit others.

Furthermore, 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 sustenance from Allah and relying on Him for provision. A munificent person understands that their wealth and resources are ultimately from Allah, and they strive to use them in a manner that pleases Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be generous and selfless in their actions. It encourages us to share whatever we have, regardless of its quantity or value, with the intention of benefiting others and seeking the pleasure of Allah. The munificent person does not withhold their resources out of fear or greed but understands that true blessings lie in giving and helping those in need.

By embodying the virtue of generosity, we can cultivate a sense of empathy and compassion within ourselves. We become more aware of the needs of others and strive to alleviate their suffering. This selflessness not only benefits the recipients of our generosity but also purifies our own souls and strengthens our relationship with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of generosity and selflessness. It encourages Muslims to be munificent, bringing and giving away whatever is available to them. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the noble example set by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. May Allah grant us the ability to be generous and selfless, and may He bless us with His infinite mercy and rewards.