Hadith #10294

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of Allah's chosen servants who are bestowed with blessings for the benefit of others. The key words in this Hadith are (yakhtassuhum) "يَخْتَصُّهُمْ", which means "He selects them," and (ni'am) "نِّعَمِ", which refers to blessings or favors.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of using blessings for the benefit of others and warns against hoarding or withholding them. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says:

(Quran 63:10)

And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, 'My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.'

This verse highlights the urgency of utilizing our blessings before it is too late. It reminds us that we should not delay in using our wealth, knowledge, or any other blessings to benefit others. By doing so, we align ourselves with the purpose for which Allah has bestowed these blessings upon us.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr, Allah says:

(Quran 59:7)

And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse highlights the responsibility of the chosen servants of Allah to distribute the blessings they receive among various categories of people, including the Prophet (ﷺ), his near relatives, orphans, and travelers. It emphasizes the importance of not allowing wealth to accumulate in the hands of a few, but rather to ensure its equitable distribution among those in need.

In light of these Quranic verses, the exegesis of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) becomes clear. Allah, in His infinite wisdom, selects certain individuals and bestows blessings upon them. These blessings can take various forms, such as wealth, knowledge, or influence. However, these blessings are not meant to be hoarded or used solely for personal gain. Instead, they are meant to be shared and utilized for the benefit of others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that if these chosen servants withhold the blessings and fail to fulfill their duty of sharing them with others, Allah will take away these blessings and transfer them to others who are more deserving. This serves as a reminder that blessings are not permanent possessions, but rather a trust from Allah that should be used wisely and for the greater good.

The consequences of withholding blessings can be seen in both individual and societal contexts. On an individual level, those who hoard their blessings and fail to use them for the benefit of others may experience a loss of those blessings and a decrease in their own spiritual growth. On a societal level, the accumulation of wealth and resources in the hands of a few can lead to inequality, injustice, and social unrest.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of gratitude and generosity. We should be grateful for the blessings we have been bestowed with and strive to use them in ways that benefit others. Whether it is through acts of charity, sharing knowledge, or using our influence for positive change, we should always seek opportunities to fulfill our duty as chosen servants of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that Allah selects certain individuals and bestows blessings upon them for the benefit of others. These blessings should not be hoarded, but rather shared and utilized for the greater good. By doing so, we fulfill our duty as chosen servants of Allah and ensure the equitable distribution of blessings in society. May Allah guide us all to be grateful and generous with the blessings He has bestowed upon us.