Hadith #4700

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

Generosity is the fruit of the intellect and contentment is the evidence of nobility.

This wise utterance highlights the importance of two virtues: generosity and contentment. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (السَّخَاءُ) "sakhā" in Arabic refers to generosity, liberality, and giving freely. It is an attribute that stems from a person's intellect and wisdom. The act of being generous is not merely a display of wealth, but rather a manifestation of one's understanding of the value of giving. It is an action that is rooted in wisdom and intellect, as it requires a person to recognize the benefits and rewards of generosity in both this world and the hereafter.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of generosity in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (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 encourages believers to be generous in their dealings and to lend to Allah by helping those in need. It highlights the reward and multiplication of blessings that come with acts of generosity.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Insan, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the righteous as those who (76:8-9)

feed the needy, the orphan, and the captive, for the love of Allah, saying, 'We feed you for the sake of Allah alone. We wish for no reward or thanks from you'

This verse exemplifies the selfless nature of generosity, where the act of giving is solely for the sake of pleasing Allah and seeking His pleasure.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Contentment is the evidence of nobility.

The word (القَنَاعَةُ) "qanā'ah" in Arabic refers to being satisfied with what one has and being content with Allah's decree. It is a state of inner peace and tranquility that is independent of material possessions. Contentment is a sign of nobility, as it reflects a person's ability to find happiness and fulfillment within themselves, rather than relying on external factors.

The Quran beautifully illustrates the concept of contentment in Surah At-Tawbah, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (11:6)

And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register

This verse reminds us that Allah is the Provider of all sustenance and that He has ordained a specific portion for each individual. It encourages us to be content with what Allah has decreed for us, knowing that He is the best of planners.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (17:72)

And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring

This verse reminds us that the temporary pleasures of this world are merely a test, and the true provision and blessings come from Allah alone. It encourages us to be content with what Allah has blessed us with and to focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that generosity and contentment are intertwined virtues that complement each other. When one possesses the intellect and wisdom to recognize the value of giving, they are more likely to be generous. And when one is content with what Allah has decreed for them, they are more likely to be grateful and generous with their blessings.

Generosity not only benefits the recipient but also brings immense rewards and blessings to the giver. It is a means of purifying one's wealth and increasing it manifold. Contentment, on the other hand, brings inner peace and tranquility, freeing one from the constant pursuit of material possessions and societal pressures. It allows a person to find happiness and fulfillment in the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon them.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody these virtues in our lives. We should cultivate a spirit of generosity, recognizing the importance of giving and sharing our blessings with others. We should also strive for contentment, finding solace in the knowledge that Allah's provision is sufficient and that true happiness lies in His pleasure.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to be generous and content, and may He bless us with the ability to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Ameen.