Hadith #1449

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "البخيلُ أبداً ذليلٌ۔" which translates to

A miser is always disgraced.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid the vice of miserliness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us reflect upon the key words used. The term (al-bakhil) "البخيل" refers to a person who is stingy, miserly, and unwilling to spend or give generously. The word (abadan) "أبداً" means "always" or "forever," indicating that the disgrace of a miser is continuous and unending. And finally, (dhalil) "ذليل" means "disgraced" or "humiliated," emphasizing the negative consequences of this behavior.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and condemns miserliness. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 29, Allah says,

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse warns against the extreme behavior of being excessively stingy or wasteful, both of which lead to disgrace and financial difficulties.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 7, Allah states,

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 encourages Muslims to believe in Allah, follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and spend generously from the blessings bestowed upon them. By doing so, they will attain a great reward in this life and the Hereafter.

Now, let us delve deeper into the exegesis of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the consequences of miserliness. A miser is not only deprived of the blessings of giving, but they also suffer from a tarnished reputation and a sense of humiliation. Their unwillingness to share their wealth or help those in need reflects a lack of compassion and empathy, which goes against the teachings of Islam.

When a person becomes consumed by the love of wealth and possessions, they become blinded to the needs of others and fail to fulfill their duty of helping those less fortunate. This selfish behavior not only distances them from their fellow Muslims but also distances them from Allah's mercy. In Surah Al-Ma'arij, verse 24-25, Allah warns,

But those who disbelieve in Our verses - the punishment will touch them for their defiant disobedience. Say, 'Is it other than Allah I should take as a protector, Creator of the heavens and the earth, while it is He who feeds and is not fed?' Say, [O Muhammad], 'Indeed, I have been commanded to be the first [among you] who submit [to Allah] and [was commanded], 'Do not ever be of the polytheists.'

The consequences of miserliness extend beyond this world. On the Day of Judgment, a miser will be held accountable for their actions. In Surah Al-Tawbah, verse 34-35, Allah says,

O you who have believed, indeed many of the scholars and the monks devour the wealth of people unjustly and avert [them] from the way of Allah. And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah - give them tidings of a painful punishment. The Day when it will be heated in the fire of Hell and seared therewith will be their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, [it will be said], 'This is what you hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard.'

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of generosity and selflessness in Islam. The act of giving not only benefits the recipient but also purifies the heart of the giver. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community and earns the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By being generous, Muslims can elevate their status in this life and the Hereafter, while avoiding the disgrace and humiliation that comes with miserliness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to be generous and selfless, and protect us from the vice of miserliness. Ameen.