Hadith #2540

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

مَنْ مَنََعَ العَطاءَ مَنَعَ الثَّناءَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who withholds from giving is deprived of (or prevents) praise.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ataa) "عَطاءَ" in this Hadith refers to giving, bestowing, or granting. It encompasses acts of charity, kindness, and generosity. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of giving and highlights the consequences of withholding it.

To understand the significance of giving, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly encourages and praises those who give. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 highlights the immense reward and blessings that come with giving.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 274, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Those who spend their wealth [in Allah's way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse assures the believers that their acts of giving will be rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and that they need not fear or grieve.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the consequences of withholding giving by stating that it leads to being deprived of or preventing praise. This means that those who refrain from giving will not receive the praise and commendation that comes with acts of generosity.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises those who give and highlights their noble qualities. In Surah Al-Insan, verse 9, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.

This verse praises those who give food to the needy, highlighting their selflessness and compassion.

By withholding giving, individuals miss out on the opportunity to display these noble qualities and receive the praise and admiration that comes with it. Moreover, they deprive themselves of the spiritual and emotional fulfillment that accompanies acts of generosity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of giving and the consequences of withholding it. It encourages us to be generous and selfless, following the examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that withholding from giving deprives us of the praise and commendation that comes with acts of generosity. It urges us to be selfless and generous, following the teachings of the Quran and the noble examples of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to give generously and receive His blessings and praise.