Hadith #5693

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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:

عَلَيْكَ بِالصَّدَقَةِ تَنْجُ مِنْ دِنائَةِ الشُّحِّ۔

This Hadith encourages Muslims to give charity and warns against the vileness of parsimony.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. (sadaqah) "صَدَقَة" refers to acts of charity or giving for the sake of Allah. It encompasses various forms of giving, such as donating money, providing food, or offering assistance to those in need. (dinā'ah) "دِنَاءَة" refers to the lowly and despicable state of being miserly or stingy. And (shuhh) "شُحّ" refers to extreme greed and avarice, where one hoards wealth and refrains from spending it for the benefit of others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of charity and condemns the vice of greed. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 63:10)

And spend of that with which We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, 'My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.'

This verse highlights the urgency of giving charity before it is too late. It reminds us that wealth is a temporary blessing and that we should utilize it for the betterment of society. By giving charity, we demonstrate our gratitude to Allah and fulfill our duty towards our fellow human beings. Moreover, the act of giving purifies our hearts from the love of material possessions and cultivates a sense of empathy and compassion.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra, where Allah says, (Quran 17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse warns against the extremes of stinginess and extravagance. It encourages moderation in spending and advises against clinging to wealth excessively. By giving charity, we strike a balance between fulfilling our own needs and fulfilling the needs of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the spiritual and moral consequences of their actions. It highlights the negative effects of greed and the positive impact of charity. When we are miserly and refuse to share our wealth, we become trapped in a state of spiritual poverty. Our hearts become hardened, and we lose sight of the true purpose of our wealth, which is to benefit others and earn the pleasure of Allah.

On the other hand, when we give charity, we break free from the chains of greed and elevate our souls. We become agents of positive change in society, alleviating the suffering of the less fortunate and spreading goodness. The act of giving not only benefits those in need but also brings immense blessings and rewards from Allah. It purifies our wealth and increases our own contentment and happiness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the importance of charity in this Hadith. His words serve as a timeless reminder for Muslims to be generous and selfless in their actions. By giving charity, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also contribute to the well-being of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to give charity and warns against the vileness of parsimony. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of generosity and condemn the vice of greed. By giving charity, we break free from the chains of stinginess and experience the spiritual and moral upliftment that comes with selfless giving. May Allah guide us to be charitable and protect us from the vices of greed and miserliness.