Hadith #4596

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The foundation of generosity is renunciation of worldly pleasures.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of detachment from worldly desires as a fundamental aspect of true generosity. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith to gain a better understanding.

The word (سَخَاءِ) "sakhā" in Arabic refers to generosity, liberality, and magnanimity. It encompasses the act of giving freely and abundantly without expecting anything in return. Generosity is a noble trait that is highly praised in Islam, and it is considered a means of attaining nearness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The word (زُهْدُ) "zuhd" translates to renunciation or detachment from worldly pleasures. It signifies a mindset of contentment with what Allah has provided and a conscious effort to prioritize the eternal rewards of the hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. Zuhd is not about complete abandonment of worldly responsibilities, but rather about maintaining a balanced perspective and not becoming attached to material possessions or desires.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us 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 essence of true righteousness, which includes giving generously to those in need, even if it means sacrificing one's own desires and attachment to wealth. The act of giving becomes more virtuous when it is done selflessly, without expecting any worldly gain or recognition.

Another verse that resonates with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the righteous believers:

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 the concept of giving for the sake of Allah alone, without any ulterior motives or expectations. True generosity stems from a sincere desire to please Allah and seek His pleasure. It is an act of worship that purifies the heart and strengthens the bond between the believer and their Creator.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate a mindset of detachment from worldly possessions and desires. By doing so, we can free ourselves from the shackles of materialism and focus on acts of kindness and generosity that bring us closer to Allah. When we prioritize the needs of others over our own desires, we emulate the selflessness and compassion exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family.

Practicing generosity with a spirit of zuhd not only benefits those in need but also has profound effects on our own spiritual growth. It helps us develop humility, gratitude, and a deeper understanding of the transient nature of worldly possessions. By renouncing attachment to material wealth, we become more aware of the true value of our actions and intentions in the sight of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the foundation of true generosity lies in renouncing worldly pleasures. By detaching ourselves from material desires and prioritizing the needs of others, we can embody the spirit of selflessness and magnanimity. Let us strive to cultivate a mindset of zuhd and emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his profound knowledge and exemplary generosity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these virtues and seek His pleasure through acts of selfless giving.