Hadith #2686

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the rights of others and maintaining a balanced approach in our dealings. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first part of the Hadith states,

Take out the [rightful] dues from your wealth.

The word used for "dues" in Arabic is (الحقوق) "al-huquq", which refers to the rights and obligations that we owe to others. This includes fulfilling financial obligations, such as paying Zakat and giving charity, as well as fulfilling the rights of individuals, such as repaying debts and providing for the needs of the less fortunate.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of fulfilling these rights in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (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.

Furthermore, the Hadith encourages us to

share in your wealth with your friend.

This highlights the importance of generosity and sharing our blessings with others. By doing so, we strengthen the bonds of friendship and foster a sense of unity and compassion within the community.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of generosity and sharing. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., the Ansar] and [adopted] faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

The second part of the Hadith advises us to

let your speech be measured and your endeavor well thought-out.

This emphasizes the importance of speaking and acting with wisdom and deliberation. It encourages us to think before we speak or act, considering the consequences and potential impact of our words and actions.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of measured speech and thoughtful actions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:53),

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.

By speaking and acting with wisdom and thoughtfulness, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts, misunderstandings, and regrets. It allows us to maintain harmonious relationships and promotes a positive and peaceful environment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with valuable guidance on fulfilling the rights of others, sharing our wealth, and speaking and acting with wisdom. By adhering to these principles, we can cultivate a just and compassionate society, strengthen our relationships, and attain spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to implement these teachings in our lives and protect us from censure and regret.