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أفْضَلُ المُرُوءَةِ مُواساةُ الإخْوانِ بِالأمْوالِ، ومُساواتُهُمْ فِي الأحْوالِ۔

The most excellent magnanimity is financially supporting your brothers with [your] wealth, and treating them as your equals in status.

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The most excellent magnanimity is financially supporting your brothers...

— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Magnanimity)

Personal Reflection

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 (), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the virtue of magnanimity and brotherhood among Muslims. The key words in this Hadith are (al-muruwwah) "المُرُوءَةِ", (muwasat) "مُواساةُ", (al-ikhwan) "الإخْوانِ", (al-amwal) "الأمْوالِ", and (al-ahwal) "الأحْوالِ".

The term (al-muruwwah) "المُرُوءَةِ" refers to magnanimity, generosity, and noble character. It encompasses the virtues of kindness, compassion, and selflessness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the most excellent form of magnanimity is (muwasat al-ikhwan bil-amwal) "مُواساةُ الإخْوانِ بِالأمْوالِ", which means financially supporting your brothers with your wealth. This implies that one should be willing to assist their fellow Muslims in times of need, by providing financial aid and support.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of (musawatuhum fi al-ahwal) "مُساواتُهُمْ فِي الأحْوالِ", which means treating them as equals in status. This highlights the significance of equality and fairness in our interactions with others. It reminds us that regardless of our social or economic differences, we should treat our fellow Muslims with respect, dignity, and fairness.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of brotherhood, generosity, and equality among Muslims. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah says,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers.

This verse highlights the unity and brotherhood that should exist among Muslims, and encourages us to resolve conflicts and disputes among ourselves.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the exemplary behavior of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah) with open hearts and selflessness. It serves as a reminder for us to prioritize the needs of others over our own, and to be generous and supportive towards our fellow Muslims.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasis on financial support and equality is not only a call for material assistance, but also a call for empathy, compassion, and solidarity. By financially supporting our brothers and treating them as equals, we foster a sense of unity and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood within the Muslim community. This leads to a society that is characterized by love, compassion, and mutual support.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a motivation for Muslims to reflect upon their own behavior and actions. It encourages us to examine our attitudes towards wealth and material possessions. Are we willing to share our wealth with those in need? Do we treat others with fairness and equality? It reminds us that true magnanimity lies not in accumulating wealth, but in using it to benefit others and uplift the community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of magnanimity, financial support, and equality among Muslims. It calls upon us to be generous with our wealth and to treat our fellow Muslims as equals. This Hadith is in perfect harmony with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the virtues of brotherhood, generosity, and fairness. By embodying these qualities, we can create a society that is characterized by compassion, unity, and mutual support. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice these virtues and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims.

. : . (Readers are advised to verify the sources mentioned above, and to independently research for an accurate understanding of Hadith. Remember, personal research and seeking guidance from scholars are essential in gaining a better insight. Please, do contact us if you find any wrong citations or explanations.)

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