Hadith #2291

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of donating wealth generously towards righteous causes and supporting friends with it. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that generosity is a trait that is more befitting for those who are free.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by analyzing the key words and their significance. The word (ubdul) "أُبْذُلْ" means to donate or give away, while (malak) "مالَكَ" refers to wealth or possessions. The term (al-huquq) "الْحُقُوقِ" translates to righteous works or obligations. (was) "واسِ" means to support or assist, and (as-sadiq) "الصَّدِيقَ" refers to a friend or companion. Finally, (as-sakhā') "السَّخاءَ" denotes generosity, and (bil-hurr) "بِالحُرِّ" means with freedom or liberality.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. 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.

This verse highlights the importance of giving wealth to those in need, regardless of personal attachment to it. It emphasizes that true righteousness lies in belief in Allah and His teachings, coupled with acts of charity and generosity. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes this sentiment by urging Muslims to donate their wealth towards fulfilling the rights of others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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 highlights the concept of seeking support from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our endeavors. When we donate our wealth towards righteous causes and support our friends with it, we are seeking the sustenance and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is an act of faith and reliance on Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) infinite mercy and provision.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, encourages Muslims to embody the trait of generosity. He states that generosity is a more befitting trait for the free. This means that true freedom lies in liberating oneself from the attachment to material possessions and using them to benefit others. By being generous with our wealth, we break the chains of greed and selfishness, and attain a higher level of spiritual freedom.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the well-being of others over their own desires. It encourages us to give selflessly and support our friends in times of need. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards our fellow human beings but also strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of donating our wealth generously towards righteous works and supporting our friends with it. It emphasizes that true freedom lies in being generous and selfless, breaking the chains of attachment to material possessions. By following this guidance, we can strive to attain righteousness and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the trait of generosity and fulfill our obligations towards others.