Hadith #6719

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights two important principles for Muslims to uphold: the plenitude of dignity through generous spending of wealth, and the uprightness of religion through devaluing this world.

Let us first delve into the key words of this Hadith. The word (dignity) "عِرْضِ" refers to honor, respect, and nobility. It encompasses both personal and societal aspects. (generous spending) "ابْتِذالِ" refers to willingly and selflessly giving away wealth for the benefit of others. (religion) "دِينِ" refers to the comprehensive way of life prescribed by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and encompasses all aspects of faith, worship, and moral conduct. (devaluing) "إفْسادِ" refers to not attaching excessive importance to worldly possessions and not allowing them to distract from the ultimate purpose of life.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9):

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of generous spending and selflessness. Muslims are encouraged to give to those in need, not seeking any worldly gain or recognition, but solely seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, they attain the plenitude of dignity and honor in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And of them are those who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the importance of devaluing the worldly possessions and focusing on the Hereafter. Muslims should not become overly attached to the materialistic aspects of this world, but instead prioritize the pursuit of righteousness and the preservation of their faith. By doing so, they attain the uprightness of religion and safeguard themselves from the distractions and temptations of this world.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true dignity and honor are not attained through the accumulation of wealth and possessions, but rather through selfless giving and generosity. When we use our wealth to benefit others, we elevate ourselves in the eyes of Allah and earn the respect and admiration of our fellow Muslims.

Similarly, the uprightness of religion is not measured by one's worldly success or material possessions, but by the strength of their faith and their commitment to the teachings of Islam. By devaluing this world and not allowing it to distract us from our ultimate purpose, we can maintain a steadfast connection with Allah and fulfill our religious obligations with sincerity and devotion.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the well-being of others over the accumulation of wealth, and to focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter rather than the fleeting pleasures of this world. By embodying the principles of generous spending and devaluing this world, we can attain true dignity and honor in the sight of Allah and uphold the uprightness of our religion. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.