Hadith #1795

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

جُودُوا بِما يَفْنى تَعْتاضُوا عَنْهُ بِما يَبْقى۔

This can be translated as,

Be generous with that which perishes and you will be compensated for it with that which lasts.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (joodoo) "جُودُوا" refers to generosity and giving freely without hesitation. It encompasses the act of selflessness and benevolence. (ma yafna) "ما يَفْنى" refers to that which perishes or fades away, indicating temporary possessions or worldly goods. On the other hand, (ma yabqa) "ما يَبْقى" refers to that which lasts or remains, signifying eternal rewards and blessings.

The exegesis of this Hadith can be found in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtues of generosity and the rewards that come with it. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:245)

Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned

This verse highlights the concept of giving generously to Allah's cause and the promise of multiplied rewards.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, Allah states, (Quran 57:11)

Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him and he will have a noble reward?

This verse emphasizes the idea of lending to Allah by spending in His way, knowing that He will reward abundantly in return.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to be generous with their worldly possessions, knowing that they are temporary and will eventually perish. By giving freely and selflessly, Muslims can expect to be compensated with everlasting rewards and blessings that will remain with them in the Hereafter.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to detach themselves from the materialistic world and focus on the eternal rewards that await them. It encourages us to prioritize acts of charity, kindness, and generosity, as these are the deeds that will truly benefit us in the long run.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this teaching throughout his life. He was renowned for his generosity, often giving away his wealth and possessions to those in need. His selflessness and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of others serve as a shining example for all Muslims to follow.

By embodying the spirit of this Hadith, Muslims can experience the joy of giving and witness the blessings that come with it. Generosity not only benefits the recipients but also purifies the hearts of the givers, strengthening their connection with Allah and increasing their faith.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to be generous with our worldly possessions, knowing that they are temporary. By giving freely and selflessly, we can expect to be rewarded with everlasting blessings and rewards in the Hereafter. Let us strive to emulate the generosity of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and prioritize acts of charity and kindness, for these are the deeds that truly endure. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be generous and bless us with eternal rewards.