Hadith #1419

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "البخل يكسب الذم" which translates to "Stinginess earns condemnation." This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the negative consequences of being stingy and emphasizes the importance of generosity in Islam.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (al-bukhl) "البخل" refers to stinginess or miserliness, which is the act of withholding or being reluctant to give or share wealth or resources. (yaksib) "يكسب" means to earn or acquire, and (adh-dhamm) "الذم" refers to condemnation or blame.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of generosity and condemn stinginess. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 267:

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse highlights the obligation of believers to spend from the good things they have earned and to avoid being selective or stingy in their giving. It reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is self-sufficient and worthy of all praise, and therefore, we should not hesitate to give generously.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra, verse 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 advises Muslims not to be excessively miserly, holding back their wealth and resources to the point of becoming insolvent, nor should they be wasteful and extravagant. Both extremes are condemned, and a balanced approach of generosity is encouraged.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the negative consequences of stinginess. When a person is stingy, they not only deprive others of their rights and needs but also earn condemnation and disapproval from society. Stinginess goes against the spirit of Islam, which encourages Muslims to be charitable, compassionate, and generous.

By being generous, we not only fulfill our obligations towards others but also purify our souls and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Generosity has numerous benefits, both in this world and the Hereafter. It strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, creates a sense of unity, and brings blessings and abundance into our lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that stinginess is a blameworthy trait that should be avoided. It is through acts of generosity and selflessness that we can truly embody the teachings of Islam and strive towards spiritual growth and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the importance of generosity and the negative consequences of stinginess. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the virtues of giving and condemn the hoarding of wealth. As Muslims, we should strive to embody the spirit of generosity and strive to earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) by being charitable and compassionate towards others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to be generous and selfless.