Hadith #4740

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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, "السخاء يكسب الحمد" which translates to "Generosity earns praise." This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds deep wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (al-sakhā') "السخاء" refers to the act of being generous, selfless, and open-handed. It encompasses the willingness to give, share, and help others without expecting anything in return. (yaksib) "يكسب" means to earn or acquire, and (al-hamd) "الحمد" refers to praise, gratitude, and appreciation.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtues of generosity and the rewards it brings. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:245)

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 highlights the concept of giving generously to Allah, which includes acts of charity and helping those in need. Allah promises to multiply the reward for such acts, indicating that generosity not only benefits others but also brings immense blessings and abundance to the giver.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan, Allah describes the qualities of the righteous believers, saying, (Quran 76:8-9)

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude'

Here, Allah praises those who give food to the needy, emphasizing their selflessness and sincerity. These individuals do not seek any reward or gratitude from the recipients, but rather their intention is solely to please Allah and seek His pleasure. This exemplifies the essence of generosity and its connection to earning praise from Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. When we are generous, we not only benefit others but also earn the praise and appreciation of Allah. Generosity is a virtuous act that reflects the selflessness and compassion inherent in Islam.

The consequences of practicing generosity are far-reaching. By being generous, we contribute to the well-being of society, alleviate the suffering of others, and promote unity and harmony among Muslims. Moreover, generosity is a means of purifying our souls, cultivating gratitude, and strengthening our relationship with Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His statement on the merits of generosity serves as a reminder for Muslims to embody this noble trait in their daily lives. By following his example and the teachings of the Quran, we can strive to be generous individuals who earn the praise and blessings of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "Generosity earns praise" emphasizes the importance of being generous and selfless in our actions. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly highlight the virtues and rewards of generosity. By practicing generosity, we not only benefit others but also earn the praise and appreciation of Allah. May Allah guide us all to be generous and compassionate Muslims who strive to earn His pleasure and blessings.