Hadith #4534

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, "حَصِّنُوا أمْوالَكُمْ بِالزَّكاةِ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Fortify [and protect] your wealth by [giving] charity.

Let us delve into the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (hasinoo) "حَصِّنُوا" means to fortify or protect. It implies safeguarding one's wealth from loss, harm, or misuse. The word (amwalakum) "أمْوالَكُمْ" refers to one's wealth, possessions, or assets. And the word (bil-zakat) "بِالزَّكاةِ" refers to the act of giving charity, specifically the obligatory charity known as Zakat.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 267:

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving charity from the wealth that Allah has bestowed upon us. It encourages us to spend from the good and lawful earnings, rather than from that which is defective or ill-gotten. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligation of giving Zakat but also protect and fortify our wealth by purifying it.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261:

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 beautifully illustrates the concept of fortifying our wealth through charity. Just as a seed grows into a plant that bears multiple fruits, when we give charity sincerely for the sake of Allah, He multiplies our reward manifold. This multiplication not only applies to the spiritual rewards but also to the blessings and increase in our wealth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of fortifying our wealth through charity. By giving Zakat and other forms of charity, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also protect our wealth from the negative effects of greed, attachment, and hoarding.

When we give charity, we develop a sense of detachment from worldly possessions and acknowledge that our wealth is a trust from Allah. This act of selflessness and generosity purifies our hearts, strengthens our faith, and brings us closer to Allah. Moreover, it creates a cycle of blessings, as Allah rewards those who give with even more abundance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to fortify and protect their wealth through the act of giving charity. By fulfilling our obligation of Zakat and engaging in voluntary acts of charity, we not only safeguard our wealth but also reap the spiritual and worldly benefits that come with it. May Allah guide us to be generous and selfless in our giving and bless us with abundance in this life and the Hereafter.