Hadith #450

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الإيثارُ أشرَفُ الكَرَمِ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Self-sacrifice is the noblest munificence.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (al-i'thar) "الإيثار", which means self-sacrifice or preferring others over oneself. It is an act of giving and generosity that goes beyond mere charity. It is an act of putting others' needs before our own, even if it means sacrificing our own comfort, desires, or resources. This concept of selflessness is highly valued in Islam and is considered the pinnacle of generosity.

The Quran beautifully emphasizes the importance of self-sacrifice in several verses. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., the Prophet's city, Medina] 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.

This verse highlights the selflessness of the Ansar (the residents of Medina) who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Mecca) during the early days of Islam. Despite their own limited resources, the Ansar preferred the needs of the Muhajirun over their own, exemplifying the essence of self-sacrifice.

Another verse that supports the concept of self-sacrifice is found in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the righteous believers, saying,

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

These verses emphasize that the believers give food to the needy, not seeking any reward or gratitude from them. Their act of self-sacrifice is solely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to please Him. This selflessness is a reflection of their sincere devotion to Allah and their understanding of the true essence of generosity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to embody the spirit of self-sacrifice in all aspects of their lives. It teaches us to prioritize the needs of others and to be willing to give up our own comforts and desires for the sake of benefiting others. This selflessness can manifest in various ways, such as sharing our wealth with the less fortunate, offering our time and skills to help those in need, or even sacrificing our own ambitions for the greater good of the community.

By practicing self-sacrifice, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also cultivate a sense of empathy, compassion, and unity within the Ummah. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, as we genuinely care for the well-being of others. Moreover, self-sacrifice is a means of purifying our souls and attaining spiritual growth, as it helps us detach from the materialistic world and focus on the eternal rewards promised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that self-sacrifice is the noblest form of generosity. It urges us to prioritize the needs of others over our own and to embody the spirit of selflessness that is deeply rooted in the teachings of Islam. By practicing self-sacrifice, we not only fulfill our obligations as Muslims but also contribute to the betterment of society and the strengthening of our faith. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the noble quality of self-sacrifice and may it be a means of attaining His pleasure.