Hadith #1410

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to refrain from the vice of stinginess or miserliness. The word used in the hadith for stinginess is (at-tahalliya bil-bukhl) "التَّحَلِّيَ بِالبُخْلِ". The word (at-tahalliya) "التَّحَلِّيَ" can be translated as "to adorn oneself" or "to beautify oneself," while (al-bukhl) "البُخْلِ" refers to "stinginess" or "miserliness."

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of embracing stinginess. He states that it will disparage us in the eyes of those who are close to us, causing them to view us negatively. Moreover, it will make us hated by our relatives, creating a sense of animosity and discord within our family ties.

To understand the significance of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and condemns the act of stinginess. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 267, Allah says,

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse highlights the obligation upon believers to spend from their wealth in a generous manner. It encourages us to give from the good things we have earned and not to be miserly by only giving from what is of little value or defective. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty towards others but also purify our own souls and strengthen our relationship with Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 29, Allah says,

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse cautions against the extremes of stinginess and extravagance. It advises us to strike a balance in our spending, neither being excessively tight-fisted nor recklessly extravagant. By doing so, we avoid being criticized and maintain financial stability.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. Stinginess not only harms our relationships with others but also tarnishes our own character. When we are stingy, we are unwilling to share our blessings with those around us, leading to a lack of compassion and empathy. This can strain our relationships with family, friends, and the wider community.

On the other hand, generosity has numerous positive consequences. It fosters love, unity, and harmony among people. It strengthens the bonds of kinship and builds a sense of trust and goodwill. Generosity also brings immense spiritual rewards, as Allah promises in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to avoid the vice of stinginess. By adorning ourselves with generosity, we not only please Allah but also strengthen our relationships and contribute to the betterment of society. Let us strive to embody the qualities of generosity and selflessness, following the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the strength to overcome the temptation of stinginess.