Hadith #10304

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The alms-tax of blessings is doing good to others.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (zakat) "زَكَاةُ" in this Hadith refers to the act of purification and growth. It is a form of worship that purifies our wealth and souls and helps us grow spiritually. The word (ni'ma) "نِعَمِ" means blessings or favors bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These blessings can include wealth, health, knowledge, and various other gifts that Allah has granted us.

The phrase (istina'u al-ma'ruf) "اِصْطِنَاعُ الْمَعْرُوفِ" means doing good to others or performing acts of kindness and righteousness. It encompasses all forms of benevolent actions, such as helping the needy, supporting the oppressed, showing kindness to family and friends, and spreading goodness in society.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of giving in multiple verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:43)

And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].

This verse highlights the significance of zakat as one of the pillars of Islam, alongside prayer. It signifies that giving to others is an essential part of our faith and worship.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah, (Quran 2:177)

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights that true righteousness lies in believing in Allah and fulfilling our obligations towards Him, as well as in giving generously to those in need. It emphasizes the importance of selflessness and sacrificing our wealth for the betterment of others. By doing so, we purify our souls and strengthen our connection with Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith reminds us that the blessings we receive from Allah are not meant to be hoarded or used solely for our own benefit. Rather, they are a trust from Allah, and it is our duty to share them with others. By giving to those in need, we not only fulfill our obligations towards our fellow human beings but also fulfill our duty towards Allah.

When we engage in acts of kindness and righteousness, we create a positive impact on society. Our actions inspire others to do good, and a ripple effect is created. For example, by helping the needy, we alleviate their suffering and provide them with hope and support. This, in turn, can motivate them to help others in need, creating a cycle of goodness and compassion.

Moreover, performing acts of kindness and giving to others brings about numerous personal benefits. It increases our gratitude towards Allah for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. It also helps us develop empathy and compassion, as we become more aware of the struggles and challenges faced by others. By actively engaging in acts of goodness, we cultivate a sense of fulfillment and contentment within ourselves.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the true essence of zakat is not limited to the giving of wealth alone. It encompasses all forms of benevolent actions and doing good to others. By sharing our blessings with those in need, we purify our souls, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and contribute to the betterment of society. Let us strive to embody the spirit of this Hadith and make a positive difference in the lives of others, for it is through acts of kindness and righteousness that we truly fulfill our purpose as Muslims.