Hadith #10752

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the existence of two types of individuals among people. The first type is described as "جَوادٌ لايَجِدُ" which translates to

the generous one who does not possess [anything to bestow].

This refers to someone who, despite not having much material wealth or resources, is still generous and giving in nature. They may not have much to offer, but they are always willing to help and support others in any way they can.

The second type is described as "واجِدٌ لا يُسْعِفُ" which translates to

the one who possesses [plenty] but does not help others [with it].

This refers to individuals who are blessed with abundance, whether it be wealth, knowledge, or any other resource, yet they fail to utilize their blessings to assist those in need. They may have the means to help others, but they choose not to do so, displaying a lack of generosity and compassion.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and helping others in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah says,

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 that true righteousness is not merely limited to performing rituals or outward displays of piety. It encompasses a deep belief in Allah and a willingness to give generously to those in need. It emphasizes the importance of using one's wealth and resources to benefit others, even if it means sacrificing personal attachments to material possessions.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah says,

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 reminds us of the transient nature of our worldly possessions and the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah's presence. It encourages us to rely on Allah's blessings and to use them to benefit others, rather than hoarding them for personal gain.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect on their own actions and attitudes towards generosity and helping others. It challenges us to evaluate whether we fall into either of the two categories mentioned. Are we among those who, despite having limited resources, still strive to help and support others? Or are we among those who possess abundance but fail to utilize it for the betterment of society?

This Hadith also highlights the importance of knowledge and its role in shaping our actions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words in this Hadith reflect his deep understanding of human nature and the importance of generosity. It serves as a reminder that knowledge should not be hoarded or used solely for personal gain, but rather, it should be shared and utilized to benefit others.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to embody the spirit of generosity and compassion towards others. It encourages us to evaluate our own actions and attitudes, and to strive to be among those who are generous and giving, regardless of our material possessions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to emulate the generous nature of the first type mentioned in this Hadith and protect us from becoming like the second type.