Hadith #4653

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of generosity and selflessness in our interactions with others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to give our wealth generously to those who have sacrificed their self-respect for us, as this act of sacrifice holds immense value. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith to understand its significance in light of the Quran.

The Arabic word (ubdul) "أُبْذُلْ" in the Hadith means to give or bestow. It implies the act of offering something willingly and generously. The word (malak) "مالَكَ" refers to wealth or possessions. It encompasses not only material possessions but also any valuable resources that one may possess.

The phrase (liman badhala laka wajhahu)

لِمَنْ بَذَلَ لَكَ وَجْهَهُ

translates to

to the one who has sacrificed his self-respect for you.

Here, (badhala) "بَذَلَ" means to sacrifice or give up, and (wajhahu) "وَجْهَهُ" refers to one's self-respect or dignity. This phrase highlights the significance of someone who has willingly compromised their honor or self-esteem for the sake of another.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states, (fa inna badhla alwajhi la yu'azeehi shay'un)

فَإنَّ بَذْلَ الوَجْهِ لايُوازِيهِ شَيْءٌ

which means,

for indeed the sacrificing of self-respect cannot be matched by anything.

This statement emphasizes the unparalleled value of the sacrifice made by the individual who has compromised their self-respect.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Insan (Chapter 76), verse 9, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

They give food, despite their own need for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.

This verse highlights the virtue of giving generously to those in need, even if it means sacrificing one's own comfort or resources.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (Chapter 2), verse 177, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the east or the west, but righteousness is to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the angels, and the Book, and the Prophets, and to give wealth, however cherished, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask, and for freeing slaves.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving wealth to those in need, regardless of its value or significance to us.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true generosity lies in giving to those who have sacrificed their self-respect for us. It encourages us to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by others, as their selflessness holds immense value. By giving our wealth generously to such individuals, we not only fulfill their needs but also acknowledge their sacrifice and restore their dignity.

This Hadith also reminds us of the importance of valuing the intangible qualities of individuals, such as their self-respect and honor. It prompts us to reflect on our interactions with others and encourages us to prioritize their well-being over material possessions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to be generous and selfless in our dealings with others. It teaches us to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who have compromised their self-respect for our sake. By giving our wealth generously to such individuals, we not only fulfill their needs but also restore their dignity and honor. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to embody the teachings of this Hadith and strive towards selflessness and generosity in all aspects of our lives.