Hadith #2386

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

خَيْرُ العَطاءِ ما كانَ عَنْ غَيْرِ طَلَب۔

This translates to,

The best grant is that which is [given] without being sought.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtue and excellence of giving without any expectation or request.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The key words in this Hadith are (best) "خَيْرُ", (grant) "العَطاءِ", (without) "غَيْرِ", and (being sought) "طَلَب".

The word (best) "خَيْرُ" signifies the highest level of excellence and superiority. It implies that there are various levels of giving, but the best form of giving is one that surpasses all others in terms of its quality and impact.

The term (grant) "العَطاءِ" refers to the act of giving or bestowing something upon someone. It can encompass various forms of generosity, such as material possessions, knowledge, support, or even emotional assistance.

The word (without) "غَيْرِ" indicates the absence of something. In this context, it signifies that the grant is given without any prior request or expectation from the recipient. It is a selfless act of giving, devoid of any ulterior motives or personal gain.

Lastly, the term (being sought) "طَلَب" refers to the act of seeking or asking for something. It implies that the best form of giving is one that is not prompted or solicited by the recipient. It is a spontaneous act of kindness and generosity.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes the immense reward and blessings that come with selfless giving. Just as a single seed can yield a bountiful harvest, the act of giving without being sought can have far-reaching effects and multiply the goodness in the world.

Another verse that aligns with the essence of 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 highlights the importance of seeking sustenance and support directly from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we give without being sought, we are relying on Allah's provision and seeking His pleasure alone. This act of selflessness strengthens our connection with our Creator and reinforces our trust in His divine plan.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement encourages us to go beyond the boundaries of our own desires and expectations. It urges us to give without any anticipation of reciprocation or recognition. By doing so, we emulate the selflessness and generosity of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

When we give without being sought, we create a ripple effect of goodness and inspire others to do the same. Our actions become a means of spreading compassion, love, and mercy in society. Furthermore, this form of giving purifies our intentions and strengthens our character, as it is solely driven by our desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the virtue of giving without being sought. It encourages us to embody selflessness and generosity in our interactions with others. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the noble examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to give selflessly and seek His pleasure in all our actions.