Hadith #5071

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The alms-tax of courage is struggling in the way of Allah.

This Hadith highlights the concept of (alms-tax) "zakat" in relation to the virtue of courage and the act of jihad in the path of Allah.

Let us first examine the important words in this Hadith. The word "zakat" refers to the act of giving a portion of one's wealth for the sake of purification and seeking the pleasure of Allah. It is a form of worship that purifies the soul and strengthens the bond between the individual and their Creator. The word "shajaa'ah" translates to courage or bravery, which is the quality of facing challenges and difficulties with strength and determination. And finally, "jihad" means striving or struggling in the way of Allah, which encompasses various forms of effort, including physical, intellectual, and spiritual.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Tawbah, verse 111:

Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise. They fight in the cause of Allah, so they kill and are killed. [It is] a true promise [binding] upon Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur'an. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? So rejoice in your transaction which you have contracted. And it is that which is the great attainment.

This verse emphasizes the concept of sacrificing one's life and wealth for the sake of Allah. It highlights the ultimate form of zakat, which is the willingness to give everything for the cause of Allah. The believers who engage in jihad, striving and struggling in the path of Allah, are promised Paradise as a reward for their courage and sacrifice.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 78, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. Allah named you

Muslims

before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to Allah. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.

This verse emphasizes the importance of striving and struggling for the sake of Allah. It encourages Muslims to exert their efforts in upholding the principles of Islam, establishing prayer, giving zakat, and holding fast to Allah. It is through this struggle that one demonstrates their courage and commitment to the path of Allah.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the impactful message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. The "zakat" of courage refers to the act of giving a portion of one's strength and bravery in the way of Allah. It is the willingness to face challenges and difficulties with unwavering determination and steadfastness. This form of zakat is not limited to physical combat but encompasses all forms of jihad, including intellectual and spiritual struggles.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this concept throughout his life. His courage and bravery were evident in his unwavering commitment to the principles of Islam, his defense of justice, and his willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of Allah. His knowledge and understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) enabled him to navigate through challenges and make decisions that were in line with the divine guidance.

The consequences of practicing the alms-tax of courage are profound. By engaging in jihad for the sake of Allah, Muslims purify their souls, strengthen their faith, and earn the pleasure of Allah. They become witnesses to the truth and exemplify the true essence of Islam. Their struggles and sacrifices become a means of attaining Paradise and drawing closer to their Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of courage and struggle in the way of Allah. It emphasizes the concept of giving a portion of one's strength and bravery as a form of zakat. By examining the Quranic verses, we understand that this zakat of courage encompasses all forms of jihad, including physical, intellectual, and spiritual struggles. The practice of this zakat leads to the purification of the soul, the strengthening of faith, and the attainment of Paradise. May Allah grant us the courage and strength to strive in His path and may He accept our efforts as a form of zakat.