Hadith #8232

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "آفَةُ الغِنى البُخْلُ۔" This can be translated as,

The bane of affluence is stinginess.

In this thought-provoking Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequence of wealth when it is accompanied by a miserly attitude.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "آفَةُ" refers to a calamity, affliction, or a destructive element. It signifies something that brings harm or causes ruin. "الغِنى" refers to affluence, wealth, or abundance. It represents a state of having material possessions and resources. Finally, "البُخْلُ" means stinginess or miserliness, which refers to a reluctance to spend or share wealth.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the destructive nature of stinginess, saying, (Quran 23:80-83)

And We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign and sheltered them within a high ground having level [areas] and flowing water. [ Allah said], 'O messengers, eat from the good foods and work righteousness. Indeed, I, of what you do, am Knowing. And indeed this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so fear Me.' But the people divided their religion among them into sects - each faction, in what it has, rejoicing.

This verse highlights the importance of using wealth for righteous purposes and warns against dividing religion into sects due to worldly gains. It emphasizes the need to fear Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and work righteousness, rather than being consumed by the desire for material possessions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 7, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 57:7)

Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors. For those who have believed among you and spent, there will be a great reward.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending from the blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. It encourages believers to use their wealth for the benefit of others and promises a great reward for those who do so.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their attitude towards wealth. While affluence can bring comfort and opportunities, it can also become a source of corruption and spiritual downfall if one becomes stingy and hoards their wealth.

Stinginess not only deprives individuals of the blessings of giving, but it also hampers the growth and progress of society as a whole. When people are unwilling to share their wealth, it leads to an unequal distribution of resources and widens the gap between the rich and the poor. This can result in social unrest, injustice, and a breakdown of communal harmony.

On the other hand, generosity and selflessness are highly praised in Islam. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of giving to those in need and the rewards that come with it. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 beautifully illustrates the concept of giving and its abundant rewards. Just as a single seed can yield a bountiful harvest, the act of giving generously multiplies the blessings and benefits for both the giver and the recipient.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the negative consequences of affluence when accompanied by stinginess. It encourages believers to use their wealth for righteous purposes and to be generous in their giving. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty towards those in need but also cultivate a spirit of compassion, unity, and social justice within our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be generous and selfless in all aspects of our lives.