Hadith #10621

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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) emphasizes the spiritual value and purity of the charity given by a poor person compared to the wealth of the rich. Let us delve into the exegesis of this beautiful Hadith in the light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are "dirham" and "dinar." A dirham is a small unit of currency, while a dinar is a larger and more valuable unit. In this context, the dirham represents the humble charity given by a poor person, while the dinar symbolizes the extravagant wealth of the rich.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of charity and the virtue of giving to those in need. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:177)

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves

This verse highlights that true righteousness lies in believing in Allah and His messengers, and in giving wealth generously to those in need. It emphasizes the importance of selflessness and detachment from material possessions. The poor person, who gives a humble dirham, demonstrates a pure intention and a sincere desire to help others, while the rich person's dinar may be tainted by attachment to wealth and the desire for recognition.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Tawbah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 9:103)

Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah's blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing

This verse highlights the purification and increase that comes from giving charity. It implies that the act of giving not only benefits the recipient but also purifies the heart of the giver. The poor person, who gives a dirham out of their meager resources, experiences a greater purification and spiritual growth compared to the rich person who gives a dinar without sacrificing much.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that the value of charity lies not in its quantity but in the purity of intention and the sacrifice made. It encourages us to prioritize sincerity and selflessness in our acts of charity, regardless of the amount we are able to give.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for the wealthy to be mindful of their responsibilities towards the less fortunate. It reminds them that their wealth is a trust from Allah and should be used to benefit society. By giving generously and sincerely, they can attain spiritual purification and increase in blessings.

Conversely, this Hadith also serves as a reminder to the poor that their humble contributions hold great value in the sight of Allah. It encourages them to give whatever they can, no matter how small, with sincerity and trust in Allah's reward.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the spiritual purity and value of the charity given by a poor person compared to the wealth of the rich. It emphasizes the importance of sincerity, selflessness, and detachment from material possessions in our acts of charity. By reflecting on this Hadith and implementing its teachings, Muslims can strive to attain spiritual growth, purification, and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to be generous and sincere in our acts of charity.