Hadith #458

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, "أحسَنُ الكَرَمِ اَلإيثارُ۔" This can be translated into English as,

The greatest munificence is self-sacrifice.

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

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. (ahsanu) "أحسَنُ" means the best or the greatest. (alkarami) "الكَرَمِ" refers to munificence or generosity. And (al-i'thar) "الإيثارُ" signifies self-sacrifice or preferring others over oneself.

To comprehend the significance of self-sacrifice, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9):

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse beautifully illustrates the concept of self-sacrifice and preferring others over oneself. The early Muslims in Medina, known as the Ansar, embraced the Muhajirun (the immigrants from Mecca) with open hearts, despite their own limited resources. They selflessly shared their homes, wealth, and provisions, prioritizing the needs of others over their own. This act of self-sacrifice exemplifies the essence of true munificence.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of selflessness in Surah Al-Insan (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.'

These verses highlight the selflessness of the believers who give food to the needy, orphans, and captives, solely seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They do not expect any reward or gratitude from those they help. This selfless act of giving exemplifies the essence of self-sacrifice and munificence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further emphasizes the importance of self-sacrifice in our daily lives. It encourages us to prioritize the needs of others over our own desires and to be generous with our time, wealth, and resources. By doing so, we cultivate a spirit of selflessness and compassion, following in the footsteps of the noble companions and the early Muslims.

Self-sacrifice not only benefits those in need but also has a profound impact on our own spiritual growth. When we prioritize the well-being of others, we develop empathy, humility, and gratitude. We recognize the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and become more aware of the struggles faced by others. This awareness leads to a greater sense of responsibility and a desire to alleviate the suffering of those around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the greatest form of munificence is self-sacrifice. By prioritizing the needs of others over our own desires, we embody the true essence of generosity and compassion. This concept is beautifully exemplified in the Quran through the actions of the early Muslims and the teachings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we strive to emulate their noble qualities and cultivate a spirit of selflessness in our lives.