Hadith #5689

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "سُوسُوا إيمانَكُمْ بالصَّدَقَةِ۔" This can be translated as

Foster your faith with charity.

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

The word (susoo) "سُوسُوا" in this Hadith means to strengthen or nurture. It implies that charity has the power to enhance and fortify our faith. By engaging in acts of charity, we not only benefit others but also strengthen our own belief in Allah and His divine guidance. This is because charity is a manifestation of our trust in Allah's provision and a demonstration of our willingness to share His blessings with those in need.

The term (imaanakum) "إيمانَكُمْ" refers to our faith or belief in Allah. It encompasses our conviction in His existence, His attributes, and His guidance. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that charity is a means to enhance and nurture this faith. It serves as a practical expression of our belief and a way to strengthen our connection with Allah.

The word (sadaqah) "الصَّدَقَةِ" in this Hadith refers to acts of charity or giving. It includes various forms of giving, such as financial assistance, providing food and clothing, offering help to the needy, and supporting charitable causes. Charity is not limited to monetary contributions but also encompasses acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives 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 highlights the importance of belief in Allah and the practice of charity. It emphasizes that true righteousness is not limited to performing rituals or outward displays of piety. Rather, it is rooted in sincere faith and the willingness to give generously to those in need.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hadid (57:7), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors. For those who have believed among you and spent, there will be a great reward.

This verse emphasizes the connection between belief, spending in the way of Allah, and the promise of a great reward. It encourages Muslims to have faith in Allah and His Messenger, and to demonstrate this faith through acts of charity and giving. By doing so, we not only strengthen our faith but also earn immense rewards from Allah.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the profound impact that charity can have on our faith. When we engage in acts of charity, we not only fulfill our duty towards our fellow human beings but also deepen our connection with Allah. Charity purifies our hearts, removes selfishness, and instills a sense of compassion and empathy within us.

Moreover, charity serves as a means of seeking closeness to Allah and attaining His pleasure. It is a reflection of the selflessness and generosity that Allah Himself possesses. By emulating His attributes through acts of charity, we strive to become better Muslims and fulfill the purpose of our creation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of fostering our faith through acts of charity. By giving generously to those in need, we not only benefit others but also strengthen our own belief in Allah. Let us strive to embody the spirit of charity and make it an integral part of our lives as Muslims. May Allah bless us with the ability to foster our faith through acts of charity and grant us the reward in this world and the Hereafter.