Hadith #4704

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, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the virtue of generosity and emphasizes the importance of being cautious with the wealth of others. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (سَخَاءِ) "sakhā", which translates to "generosity," (مُتَبَرِّعًا) "mubarran", which means "open-handed," and (مَوَالِي) "mawālī", which refers to "wealth of others."

Generosity is a noble characteristic that is highly encouraged in Islam. It involves willingly giving and sharing one's wealth, possessions, and resources with others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best form of generosity is to be open-handed with our own wealth, meaning that we should be willing to give and help others without hesitation or reluctance. This act of giving should be done with a sincere intention and without expecting anything in return.

However, the Imam also emphasizes the importance of being cautious with the wealth of others. This means that we should not be careless or reckless with the property or belongings of others. We should respect the rights of others and handle their wealth with care and responsibility. This caution reminds us of the importance of trustworthiness and integrity in our dealings with others.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that support and reinforce the teachings of 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 rewards and blessings that come with spending one's wealth in the path of Allah. It encourages Muslims to be generous and open-handed with their wealth, knowing that Allah will multiply their rewards manifold. By giving to those in need, we not only benefit them but also purify our own souls and increase our closeness to Allah.

Another verse that resonates with this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80):

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 reminds us of the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and support in our acts of generosity. It is through His blessings and sustenance that we are able to give and help others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thoughtful words in this Hadith serve as a reminder for Muslims to embody the spirit of generosity while being mindful of the rights of others. By being open-handed with our wealth, we contribute to the well-being of society and fulfill our duty as believers. At the same time, we must exercise caution and responsibility when it comes to the wealth of others, treating it with respect and integrity.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of balance in our actions. We should not be stingy or hoard our wealth, nor should we be careless or wasteful. Instead, we should strive to strike a balance between generosity and caution, guided by the principles of Islam and the teachings of the Quran.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the virtue of generosity and the importance of being cautious with the wealth of others. It encourages us to be open-handed with our own wealth, while also emphasizing the need for responsibility and integrity in our dealings with others. By embodying these qualities, we can strive to become better Muslims and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in practicing true generosity and grant us the ability to be cautious and responsible with the wealth of others.