Hadith #11281

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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الهدية تجلب المحبة" which translates to

Gifts bring about affection

in English. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hadīyah) "هدية" refers to a gift or present given to someone as an expression of love, gratitude, or goodwill. It is an act of giving without expecting anything in return. The act of giving a gift holds great significance in Islam, as it fosters love, strengthens relationships, and promotes unity among Muslims.

The word (tajlib) "تجلب" means to bring or attract. In this context, it signifies that the act of giving a gift has the power to attract or bring about (al-muhabbah) "المحبة", which means affection, love, or goodwill. This implies that when we give gifts to others, it has the potential to create a bond of love and affection between the giver and the recipient.

The Quran affirms the importance of giving gifts and its positive impact on relationships. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:195)

And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good

This verse encourages believers to spend their wealth in acts of charity and goodness, which includes giving gifts to others. By doing so, we not only benefit the recipient but also earn the love and pleasure of Allah.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with others. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (4:36)

And worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful

This verse highlights the importance of treating our relatives, neighbors, and companions with kindness and generosity. Giving gifts is a manifestation of this kindness and fosters affectionate relationships.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us of the power of giving and its ability to create love and affection. When we give gifts to others, we not only express our love and appreciation but also strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community. It is a means of spreading happiness, fostering goodwill, and promoting a culture of generosity.

Moreover, the act of giving gifts has a profound impact on the giver as well. It cultivates a sense of selflessness, humility, and gratitude within our hearts. It reminds us of the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah and encourages us to share those blessings with others. By giving gifts, we develop a generous spirit and become more mindful of the needs and happiness of those around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of giving gifts and its ability to bring about affection. It is a reminder of the power of generosity and its impact on fostering love and unity among Muslims. Let us strive to embody this beautiful teaching in our lives and spread love and affection through the act of giving. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to give selflessly and create bonds of love and affection within our communities.