Hadith #10956

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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, "Al-muwasatuhu afḍalu al-a'mal." This can be translated as,

Giving financial support [to a believer] is the best of actions.

In this wise utterance, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance and virtue of providing financial assistance to fellow believers.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words. "Muwasatuhu" refers to giving support or assistance, while "afḍalu" means the best or most virtuous, and "al-a'mal" signifies actions or deeds. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the exceptional merit of extending financial aid to others.

This exhortation by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds resonance in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of charity and supporting fellow Muslims. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving wealth to those in need, as it is a manifestation of true righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr, verse 9, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] faith before them. They love those who emigrated 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. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the Ansar (the residents of Medina) who supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Mecca) during the early days of Islam. Their willingness to prioritize the needs of others over their own is an exemplary model of giving financial support.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to go beyond the basic obligations of charity and engage in acts of financial support that surpass expectations. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as believers but also attain a higher level of righteousness and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This act of giving financial support can take various forms, such as providing loans, assisting in business ventures, or contributing to charitable causes that uplift the community.

The consequences of adhering to this Hadith are far-reaching. When we extend financial support to our fellow believers, we foster a sense of unity and solidarity within the Muslim community. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, as we come together to alleviate the financial burdens faced by others. Moreover, this act of generosity can have a transformative impact on the lives of those in need, providing them with the means to overcome challenges and pursue a better future.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of the Quranic teachings enabled him to distill its essence into concise and profound statements. Through his words, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guides us towards actions that bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and benefit our fellow Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the exceptional virtue of giving financial support to fellow believers. This act of generosity aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of charity and supporting those in need. By extending financial aid, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the spirit of this Hadith and engage in acts of financial support that bring us closer to Him.