Hadith #2437

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who does not give while he is sitting [in comfort] will not be given when he is standing [in a state of struggle].

This profound statement emphasizes the importance of giving and being charitable, especially during times of ease and abundance. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (give) "يُعْطَ" and (while sitting) "قاعِداً" and (while standing) "قائِماً". The word "يُعْطَ" comes from the root word "عَطَى" which means to give, bestow, or grant. It signifies an act of generosity and selflessness. "قاعِداً" refers to the state of being seated or in comfort, while "قائِماً" refers to the state of standing or being in a state of struggle or hardship.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 highlights the immense rewards and blessings that come from giving in the way of Allah. Just as a single seed can yield a bountiful harvest, our acts of charity and generosity have the potential to multiply and bring forth abundant blessings in this life and the hereafter. Therefore, when Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to give while we are sitting, he is reminding us to seize the opportunity to be charitable during times of ease and abundance.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 7:

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 importance of belief in Allah and His Messenger, as well as the act of spending in the way of Allah. It reminds us that our wealth and possessions are a trust from Allah, and it is our duty to use them for the betterment of society and to help those in need. By giving while we are sitting, we fulfill our responsibility as successors of Allah on this earth and earn a great reward.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also serves as a reminder of the consequences of neglecting our duty to give. If we fail to be charitable and generous during times of ease, we may find ourselves in a state of struggle or hardship where we are in need of assistance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80:

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's assistance and sustenance in all aspects of our lives. If we neglect our duty to give while we are sitting, we may find ourselves lacking the sustenance and support we need when we are standing in a state of struggle. Therefore, it is crucial for us to be mindful of our charitable acts and to give generously during times of ease and abundance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of giving and being charitable, especially during times of ease and abundance. It urges us to seize the opportunity to be generous while we are sitting, as this act of selflessness will bring forth immense rewards and blessings. Conversely, neglecting our duty to give may lead to a state of struggle or hardship where we are in need of assistance. Let us strive to embody the spirit of this Hadith and fulfill our responsibility as believers to be charitable and generous in all circumstances. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to give generously and bless us with His abundant rewards.