Hadith #1414

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, "البخل فقر" which translates to

Stinginess is [a form of] poverty.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims to reflect upon the detrimental effects of stinginess.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first explore the key words used. (al-bukhl) "البخل" refers to stinginess or miserliness, which is the unwillingness to spend or share one's wealth or resources. It is a characteristic that stems from a mindset of scarcity and fear of losing what one possesses. (faqar) "فقر" means poverty or destitution, which refers to a state of lacking material resources and being in need.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the connection between stinginess and poverty. It emphasizes that stinginess itself is a form of poverty, not only in the material sense but also in the spiritual and emotional realms. This Hadith serves as a reminder that withholding generosity and kindness can lead to a state of impoverishment in various aspects of life.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the message of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse warns against the extremes of stinginess and extravagance. It cautions against the self-imposed limitations that stinginess brings, leading to a state of blame and insolvency.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 encourages believers to spend from their wealth and resources in a manner that is beneficial and of good quality. It warns against being miserly and only giving from what is considered surplus or defective, as this reflects a closed-heartedness and a lack of trust in Allah's provision.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their attitudes towards wealth and generosity. Stinginess not only deprives others of their rights and needs but also restricts the growth and blessings that come from giving. By hoarding wealth and resources, one limits their own spiritual growth and fails to fulfill their duty as a trustee of Allah's blessings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings continue to guide Muslims today. Through this Hadith, he emphasizes the importance of generosity, kindness, and selflessness. By being generous with our wealth, time, and resources, we not only alleviate the poverty of others but also enrich our own lives and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and compassion within the Muslim community.

Let us reflect upon the beautiful message of this Hadith and strive to overcome any tendencies towards stinginess. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to be generous and selfless, and may He alleviate the poverty and suffering of all those in need.