Hadith #1434

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the grave sin of stinginess and its severe consequences. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (bukhl) "بُخل", which translates to "stinginess" in English. Bukhl refers to the act of withholding or being miserly with one's wealth, possessions, or resources. It is a quality that is condemned in Islam as it goes against the principles of generosity, kindness, and charity that are emphasized in the Quran.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and charity in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:57)

And spend of that with which We have provided you before death comes to 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 giving charity and being generous with our wealth before it is too late. It serves as a reminder that our wealth is a trust from Allah and should be used to benefit others. Stinginess, on the other hand, is a manifestation of ingratitude towards Allah's blessings and a disregard for the needs of others.

Stinginess not only displeases Allah, but it also has negative consequences in this world and the hereafter. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah warns, (3:116)

Never will your wealth or your children avail you against Allah. And whoever does that - then those are the losers.

This verse reminds us that our wealth and possessions will not protect us from the consequences of our actions. No matter how much wealth we accumulate, it cannot save us from the wrath of Allah if we are stingy and neglectful of our duty to help those in need. In fact, the Quran describes those who hoard their wealth and refuse to spend it in the way of Allah as "losers."

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims of the importance of being generous and charitable. It highlights the severity of stinginess and its potential to bring down the wrath of Allah. By withholding our wealth and possessions, we not only displease Allah but also harm ourselves and society at large.

The consequences of stinginess are far-reaching. It creates an atmosphere of greed, selfishness, and inequality. It hampers the growth and development of communities and prevents the redistribution of wealth to those in need. Moreover, stinginess can lead to a lack of trust and unity among Muslims, as it goes against the spirit of brotherhood and compassion that Islam promotes.

Conversely, generosity and charity have numerous benefits both in this world and the hereafter. Allah promises immense rewards for those who give in His cause. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (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 beautifully illustrates the bountiful rewards that await those who are generous and charitable. Just as a single seed can yield a bountiful harvest, the act of giving in the way of Allah multiplies our rewards manifold. It is a means of purifying our wealth, increasing our blessings, and attaining closeness to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims of the grave sin of stinginess and its severe consequences. It highlights the importance of generosity, charity, and the redistribution of wealth in Islam. By being generous and charitable, we not only please Allah but also contribute to the betterment of society and the fulfillment of the rights of others. May Allah protect us from the sin of stinginess and bless us with the ability to be generous and charitable.