Hadith #1428

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the repugnance and ugliness of stinginess. The word used in the Hadith for stinginess is (al-bukhla) "البُخْلَ", which refers to the act of being miserly or withholding one's wealth or possessions. The Hadith emphasizes that if one were to witness stinginess personified, they would see an individual who is not only physically unattractive but also morally disfigured.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and the repugnance of stinginess. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:195)

And those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, justly moderate

This verse encourages Muslims to strike a balance in their spending, neither being extravagant nor excessively frugal.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah describes the characteristics of the righteous, saying, (17:26-27)

And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful

These verses highlight the importance of fulfilling the rights of others and avoiding wastefulness, as wastefulness is equated with the actions of Satan.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims about the repugnance of stinginess. It emphasizes that stinginess not only affects one's material possessions but also distorts their character and appearance. When a person withholds their wealth and possessions, they become morally disfigured and spiritually unattractive.

Stinginess leads to a multitude of negative consequences. It breeds greed, selfishness, and a lack of empathy towards others. It prevents individuals from fulfilling their obligations towards their families, communities, and society at large. Moreover, it hinders the growth of one's own soul and prevents them from attaining spiritual elevation.

Conversely, generosity is highly praised in Islam. The act of giving, whether it be through charity, kindness, or sharing one's blessings, is a means of purifying the soul and seeking the pleasure of Allah. The Quran states, (2:261)

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

The act of giving not only benefits the recipient but also brings immense rewards and blessings to the giver. It fosters a sense of compassion, gratitude, and unity within the Muslim community. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood and creates a society that is characterized by justice, equality, and mutual support.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims about the repugnance of stinginess. It highlights the importance of generosity and the detrimental effects of withholding wealth and possessions. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we are reminded of the virtues of generosity and the importance of embodying these qualities in our daily lives. May Allah guide us all to be generous and selfless individuals who strive to emulate the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).