Hadith #1798

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

غايَةُ الجُودِ بَذْلُ المَوْجُودِ۔

This can be translated as,

The highest extent of generosity is giving [from] whatever is available.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran. The word (jood) "جُودِ" refers to generosity, while (bazl) "بَذْلُ" means giving or offering. And (almawjood) "المَوْجُودِ" signifies whatever is available or present.

The Quran emphasizes the virtue of generosity in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 to Allah, which includes giving to those in need. It emphasizes that Allah multiplies the rewards for those who are generous.

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

Who is it that would offer 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 reiterates the idea of giving to Allah and highlights the concept of offering a loan to Him. It emphasizes that Allah is the ultimate source of abundance and that we will be rewarded for our generosity.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). He teaches us that true generosity lies in giving from whatever is available to us. This means that even if we possess limited resources, we should still strive to give and help others. It is not the quantity of what we give that matters, but rather the sincerity and intention behind our giving.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) sets an example for us through his own actions. Despite his immense knowledge and wisdom, he lived a simple and humble life. He would give generously to those in need, even if it meant giving from the little that he had. His generosity was not limited to material possessions, but also extended to his time, knowledge, and support for others.

This Hadith teaches us that generosity is not confined to the wealthy or those with abundant resources. It is a quality that every Muslim should strive to cultivate, regardless of their circumstances. Even if we have limited means, we can still make a difference in the lives of others by giving what we can, whether it be our time, skills, or resources.

The consequences of embodying this teaching are manifold. By giving from whatever is available to us, we not only fulfill our duty towards those in need but also purify our hearts and increase our closeness to Allah. Our acts of generosity become a means of seeking His pleasure and attaining His blessings. Moreover, our actions inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of goodness and compassion within society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true generosity lies in giving from whatever is available to us. It emphasizes that it is not the quantity of what we give that matters, but rather the sincerity and intention behind our giving. This teaching is supported by various Quranic verses that highlight the virtue of generosity and the rewards that come with it. By embodying this teaching, we can make a positive impact on the lives of others and draw closer to Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to be generous and selfless in our actions.