Hadith #4730

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he emphasizes the superiority of a particular form of generosity over another. Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The first word of importance is (sakhā') "سَخاءَ". It refers to the act of being generous, open-handed, and giving. It encompasses the idea of selflessness and a willingness to share one's possessions or resources with others. Generosity is highly regarded in Islam and is considered a praiseworthy trait.

The second word is (an-nafs) "النَّفْسِ", which translates to "oneself" or "one's self." It refers to an individual's inner being, their soul, and their desires. In this context, it signifies the act of abstaining or refraining from something that others possess.

The third word is (al-badl) "البَذْلِ", which means "giving" or "bestowing." It refers to the act of giving away one's possessions or resources to others. While generosity through giving is commendable, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the superiority of another form of generosity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the generosity of keeping oneself away from that which others possess is better than the generosity of giving. This means that refraining from taking what rightfully belongs to others is a higher form of generosity than giving away one's own possessions. It demonstrates a deep sense of respect for the rights and belongings of others.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9):

And those who, before them, had homes (in Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Bani An-Nadir), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah) despite their own needs and possessions.

Another verse that supports the concept of refraining from taking what belongs to others is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:32):

And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights of others, particularly orphans, and refraining from taking what rightfully belongs to them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the moral and ethical aspect of generosity. It encourages Muslims to go beyond the act of giving and to cultivate a mindset of selflessness and respect for the possessions and rights of others. By refraining from taking what others possess, we demonstrate a higher level of generosity and integrity.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their actions and to strive for excellence in their character. It encourages us to be content with what we have and to avoid coveting the possessions of others. It also teaches us the importance of respecting the boundaries and rights of others, which is a fundamental principle in Islam.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the superiority of the generosity of refraining from taking what others possess over the generosity of giving. It emphasizes the importance of respecting the possessions and rights of others, and it encourages Muslims to cultivate a mindset of selflessness and integrity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to embody this noble form of generosity and grant us the ability to be truly generous in all aspects of our lives.