Hadith #1421

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Stinginess with what is available [in one’s possession] is thinking negatively of God.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the negative consequences of being stingy and miserly with the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (bukhl) "بُخْلُ" refers to stinginess or miserliness. It is the act of withholding or being reluctant to spend or share one's wealth or resources. The word (mawjood) "مَوْجُودِ" means what is available or present in one's possession. It encompasses all the blessings and provisions that Allah has granted to an individual.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) connects this concept of stinginess with (su'u ath-thann) "سُوءُ الظَّنِّ" which means thinking negatively or having a bad opinion. In this context, it refers to having a negative perception or mistrust of Allah's divine providence and generosity. It is a reflection of a person's lack of faith and gratitude towards Allah.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for further guidance. Allah says 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 emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah's sustenance and seeking His blessings in all aspects of our lives. It reminds us that our sustenance comes from Allah and that we should trust in His divine wisdom and provision.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:268), Allah says,

The devil promises you poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the contrast between the whisperings of Satan, which lead to stinginess and immorality, and the promises of Allah, which include forgiveness and abundant blessings. It serves as a reminder that true wealth and prosperity come from Allah, and we should not let the fear of poverty or scarcity drive us towards stinginess.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to reflect upon our attitude towards wealth and resources. When we hoard and withhold what Allah has provided us, we are essentially doubting His ability to provide for us in the future. This mindset goes against the teachings of Islam, which encourage generosity, charity, and trust in Allah's infinite mercy and abundance.

Stinginess not only harms our relationship with Allah but also has negative consequences on our character and interactions with others. It breeds selfishness, greed, and a lack of empathy towards those in need. In contrast, generosity and sharing what we have with others are highly encouraged in Islam. Allah says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9),

And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Bani An-Nadir), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that.

This verse exemplifies the selflessness and generosity of the early Muslims, who prioritized the well-being of others over their own needs.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of being grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. It warns against the negative consequences of stinginess and encourages us to have trust in Allah's provision. By being generous and sharing what we have with others, we not only strengthen our relationship with Allah but also foster a spirit of compassion and empathy within ourselves. May Allah guide us to be generous and grateful, and may He bless us with abundance in this world and the Hereafter.