Hadith #2689

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of stinginess and hoarding wealth. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, uses powerful imagery to convey a enlightening message to all Muslims.

Let us first examine the important words in this Hadith. The word (al-muhtakir) "المُحْتَكِرُ" refers to the stingy hoarder, someone who accumulates wealth and possessions excessively and is reluctant to spend or share it with others. The word (al-bakhil) "البَخيْلُ" means the one who is miserly or stingy. These words highlight the negative traits of greed and selfishness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the stingy hoarder accumulates wealth for the one who does not appreciate or thank him. This implies that the wealth amassed by the stingy person will ultimately benefit his heirs or successors, who may not acknowledge or value the efforts made to accumulate that wealth. This serves as a reminder that material possessions are transient and can easily be squandered or unappreciated by those who inherit them.

The second part of the Hadith states that the stingy hoarder proceeds towards the one who will not accept his excuse. Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is referring to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), who will not accept the excuses of those who hoard wealth and fail to use it for the betterment of society. This highlights the spiritual consequences of stinginess and the importance of using wealth in a responsible and charitable manner.

To further understand the message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9):

And those who came after them say, 'Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed. Our Lord, indeed You are Kind and Merciful.'

This verse reminds us of the importance of forgiveness and generosity towards others. The stingy hoarder, who accumulates wealth without sharing it, may create resentment and discord among people. However, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to forgive and not hold any resentment in our hearts towards our fellow believers. This serves as a contrast to the behavior of the stingy hoarder, who fails to cultivate a spirit of generosity and compassion.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267):

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 emphasizes the importance of spending from the good things that Allah has provided us. It discourages us from being miserly or stingy in our expenditure, reminding us that Allah is the ultimate provider and is not in need of our wealth. By spending generously and responsibly, we acknowledge Allah's blessings and contribute to the well-being of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid the negative traits of stinginess and hoarding wealth. It highlights the consequences of such behavior, both in the material world and in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By sharing our wealth and being generous, we not only benefit others but also purify our own souls. May Allah guide us to be charitable and compassionate, and may He protect us from the pitfalls of greed and selfishness.