Hadith #1462

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

ما عَقَدَ إيمانَهُ مَنْ بَخِلَ بإحْسانِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

He who is stingy with his favours has not fastened his faith [and made it firm].

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of generosity and benevolence in strengthening one's faith.

To better understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used. The word (aqada) "عَقَدَ" means to fasten or secure something firmly. In this context, it refers to firmly establishing one's faith. The word (eemanahu) "إيمانَهُ" refers to one's faith or belief in Allah and His teachings. The word (bakhila) "بَخِلَ" means to be stingy or miserly, withholding or being reluctant to give. Lastly, (ihsanihi) "إحْسانِهِ" refers to acts of kindness, favors, or benevolence.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of generosity and benevolence in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261, Allah says,

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the immense rewards and blessings that come with selfless acts of giving.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 245, Allah states,

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 encourages believers to be generous with their wealth and resources, trusting in Allah's promise of multiplication and abundance.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we can understand that being stingy with our favors and withholding acts of kindness goes against the essence of true faith. Faith is not merely a matter of belief in the heart, but it is also manifested through our actions and interactions with others.

When we are generous and benevolent, we not only fulfill our duty towards our fellow human beings but also strengthen our faith in Allah. By giving selflessly, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's promise of reward and blessings. Moreover, acts of kindness and generosity create a ripple effect, inspiring others to do the same and fostering a sense of unity and compassion within the Muslim community.

Conversely, when we are stingy and reluctant to give, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to strengthen our faith and reap the rewards promised by Allah. We become attached to worldly possessions and fail to recognize the transient nature of material wealth. This attachment hinders our spiritual growth and prevents us from experiencing the true joy and fulfillment that comes from selfless acts of giving.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true faith is not limited to mere belief, but it is also reflected in our actions. By being generous and benevolent, we fasten our faith and strengthen our connection with Allah. Let us strive to embody the spirit of generosity and kindness, following the example set by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt. May Allah bless us all with the ability to be generous and may He accept our acts of kindness.