Hadith #4760

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاسَخاءَ معَ عَدَم۔" This Hadith can be translated into English as,

There can be no generosity with nothingness.

To understand the meaning behind this statement, let us delve into the key words used in this Hadith. The word (lasakhā) "لاسَخاءَ" refers to generosity or the act of giving freely and abundantly. It encompasses the concept of selflessness and a willingness to share one's blessings with others. On the other hand, the word (adam) "عَدَم" denotes nothingness or the absence of something.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting a fundamental principle here - true generosity cannot exist in a state of emptiness or lack. In other words, one cannot be generous if they have nothing to give. This Hadith emphasizes the importance of having something to offer before engaging in acts of generosity.

This principle finds support in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9),

And those who, before them, had homes [in Medina] and had adopted the faith, love those who emigrate to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation.

This verse highlights the generosity of the Ansar (the inhabitants of Medina) towards the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Mecca). Despite their own limited resources, the Ansar gave preference to the needs of the Muhajirun, demonstrating that they had something to offer.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages believers to give in charity and be generous. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 illustrates the concept of generosity leading to abundance. When we give in the way of Allah, He multiplies our rewards and blesses us with even more.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that generosity is not limited to material possessions alone. It extends to our time, knowledge, and compassion as well. Just as we cannot give from an empty pocket, we cannot share knowledge or offer support if we ourselves are devoid of it. Therefore, it is essential for us to constantly seek knowledge, develop our skills, and cultivate our character so that we have something meaningful to contribute to the betterment of society.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of gratitude. When we recognize and appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we are more inclined to share them with others. Gratitude fuels generosity, as it reminds us of the abundance we have been blessed with and motivates us to give back to those in need.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true generosity cannot exist in a state of nothingness. It emphasizes the importance of having something to offer before engaging in acts of generosity. This principle is supported by various Quranic verses that highlight the generosity of the believers and encourage us to give in the way of Allah. It also reminds us of the significance of gratitude and the role it plays in fueling our generosity. As Muslims, let us strive to embody the spirit of generosity by continuously seeking knowledge, developing our skills, and sharing our blessings with others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to be generous and grant us the means to do so.