Hadith #2302

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أفْضَلُ العَطاءِ تَرْكُ المَنِّ۔

This can be translated as,

The best gift is forgoing obligation.

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

First, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word (ataa) "عَطاء" means "gift" or "giving," while (tarak) "تَرْكُ" means "forgoing" or "abandoning." Lastly, (al-mann) "المَنِّ" refers to "obligation" or

that which is due.

To comprehend the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

It is not righteousness 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; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving in charity and fulfilling obligations. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights a deeper understanding in his Hadith. He teaches us that the highest form of giving is not merely fulfilling our obligations, but rather voluntarily forgoing them.

By forgoing obligations, we demonstrate a selfless and sincere desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reflects a level of devotion and love for Him that goes beyond what is expected. This act of giving without being bound by obligation is a manifestation of true righteousness.

In Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), 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 exemplify the essence of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The righteous believers mentioned in the Quran give without expecting anything in return. They do not seek recognition or gratitude from those they help. Their intention is solely to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Forgoing obligations can have profound consequences in our lives. When we go beyond what is expected of us, we develop a sense of selflessness and humility. By voluntarily giving, we detach ourselves from the materialistic desires that often cloud our hearts. This act of selflessness purifies our intentions and strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to reflect on our actions and motivations. Are we fulfilling our obligations out of duty or out of love for Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ)? Are we giving only what is required or are we going beyond that? By forgoing obligations, we challenge ourselves to reach higher levels of devotion and sincerity.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best form of giving is to voluntarily forgo obligations. By doing so, we demonstrate a higher level of devotion and sincerity in our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This act of selflessness purifies our intentions and strengthens our connection with the Divine. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to go beyond what is expected and to give with a pure and sincere heart.