Hadith #2414

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights a profound observation about the actions of people. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) expresses his astonishment at those who spend their wealth to purchase slaves, but fail to use their resources to liberate free individuals through acts of kindness and benevolence.

Let us delve into the important words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (I am amazed) "عَجِبْتُ" signifies the astonishment and bewilderment of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) towards this particular behavior. The word (buys) "يَشْتَرِي" implies the act of purchasing or acquiring something in exchange for wealth. (slaves) "الْعَبِيدَ" refers to individuals who are deprived of their freedom and are owned by others. On the other hand, (freemen) "الأحْرَارَ" refers to those who are free and not bound by the chains of slavery. (his benevolence) "إحْسَانِهِ" signifies acts of kindness, goodness, and generosity.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177):

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East or the West, but righteousness is the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the Prophets, and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse emphasizes the importance of using one's wealth for the betterment of society, including the liberation of slaves. It highlights that true righteousness lies in believing in Allah and His teachings, and in using one's resources to help those in need, including slaves who are yearning for freedom.

Furthermore, in Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:19), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And in their wealth is a recognized right for the needy and the deprived.

This verse emphasizes the obligation of the wealthy to fulfill the rights of the less fortunate. It implies that wealth should be utilized to uplift the oppressed and provide them with opportunities for a dignified life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) observation in the Hadith highlights the stark contrast between those who prioritize material possessions over the liberation and well-being of their fellow human beings. By purchasing slaves, individuals are perpetuating the institution of slavery, which is an affront to the principles of justice and equality. On the other hand, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges people to use their resources to free those who are already free but may be oppressed or in need of assistance.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and priorities. It encourages us to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true greatness lies in using our resources to uplift and empower others, rather than perpetuating systems of oppression and inequality.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize acts of kindness and benevolence. It urges us to use our wealth and resources to liberate and empower those who are already free, rather than perpetuating systems of oppression. May we all strive to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfill our obligations towards our fellow human beings, in accordance with the guidance of the Quran.