Hadith #10615

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he advises us to be cautious and mindful of withholding charity. The key words in this Hadith are (Beware of withholding) "إيّاكَ والإمْساكَ" and (you are [only] a treasurer for someone else)

كُنْتَ فيهِ خازِناً لِغَيْرِكَ

The word (withholding) "إمْساكَ" refers to the act of holding back or refraining from giving something, in this case, charity. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us against this practice, reminding us that when we withhold charity, we are essentially acting as treasurers for someone else. This means that the wealth we possess is not truly ours, but rather a trust from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that we are obligated to distribute to those in need.

To further understand the importance of giving charity and the consequences of withholding it, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:274):

Those who spend their wealth [in Allah's cause] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse emphasizes the virtues of spending wealth in the cause of Allah, both openly and in secret. Those who give charity selflessly will be rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and will be free from fear and grief. It is a reminder that our wealth is a means of purification and a test of our generosity.

Another verse that highlights the importance of charity is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80):

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse reflects the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and serves as a reminder that our sustenance comes from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone. When we give in charity, we are acknowledging this reality and expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice in this Hadith carries profound implications. By withholding charity, we not only deprive those in need but also fail to fulfill our role as trustees of Allah's wealth. Our wealth is a means of test and purification, and by sharing it with others, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's provision and our willingness to fulfill our obligations as His servants.

Moreover, the act of giving charity has numerous benefits, both on an individual and societal level. It fosters compassion, empathy, and solidarity among members of the community. It helps alleviate poverty and provides support to the vulnerable. It also purifies our hearts and strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of withholding charity. It highlights the importance of recognizing our role as trustees of Allah's wealth and the consequences of neglecting this responsibility. By giving in charity, we not only fulfill our obligations but also reap the benefits of compassion, empathy, and spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be generous and selfless in our giving and enable us to fulfill our duties as trustees of His blessings.