Hadith #4723

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.

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

The disgrace of generosity is extravagance.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (سَخَا) "sakhā" in Arabic refers to generosity or liberality. It is the act of giving freely and abundantly, without expecting anything in return. Generosity is a praiseworthy quality in Islam, and it is highly encouraged for Muslims to be generous in their dealings with others.

On the other hand, the word (سَرَفُ) "saraf" means extravagance or wastefulness. It refers to spending in excess or beyond what is necessary or appropriate. Extravagance is discouraged in Islam as it leads to the squandering of resources and can lead to financial difficulties.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 both miserliness and extravagance. It advises Muslims to strike a balance in their spending, avoiding both extremes.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Furqan (25:67), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the servants of the Most Merciful as those who

walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace.

This verse highlights the importance of humility and moderation in our actions and interactions. It reminds us to avoid excessive displays of wealth or extravagance that may lead to arrogance or the perception of arrogance.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. Generosity is a noble trait, and it is highly encouraged in Islam. However, when generosity turns into extravagance, it loses its virtue and becomes a source of disgrace. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true generosity lies in giving within our means and being mindful of our responsibilities.

Extravagance can have severe consequences, both on an individual and societal level. Indulging in excessive spending can lead to financial instability, debt, and the neglect of more important obligations such as taking care of one's family or giving to those in genuine need. It can also foster a culture of materialism and greed, diverting our focus from the spiritual aspects of life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their spending habits and to avoid wastefulness. It encourages us to be generous, but also responsible and moderate in our actions. By striking a balance between generosity and prudence, we can uphold the values of Islam and lead a life that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of practicing moderation and avoiding extravagance in our acts of generosity. It reminds us to be mindful of our resources and to use them wisely, in accordance with the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the path of moderation and righteousness.