Hadith #8235

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The alms-tax of affluence [and comfort] is being good with neighbors and keeping ties with near relatives.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of two fundamental aspects of our social and familial relationships: being good to our neighbors and maintaining strong ties with our relatives.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The term (zakat) "زَكَاةُ" refers to the act of purification and growth. It is not limited to the obligatory charity, but encompasses all acts of giving and purifying our wealth. (alyasar) "اليَسَارِ" refers to affluence, comfort, and ease. It implies having an abundance of resources and blessings. (birr) "بِرُّ" means goodness, righteousness, and kindness. It encompasses acts of compassion, generosity, and benevolence. (al-jiran) "الجيرانِ" refers to our neighbors, those who live near us. (wasilah) "وَصِلَةُ" means maintaining strong ties, connections, and relationships. (al-arham) "الأرْحامِ" refers to our relatives, including our immediate and extended family members.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support and reinforce the teachings of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

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 the importance of giving wealth to relatives, among other categories of people in need. It emphasizes that true righteousness lies in selfless acts of charity, regardless of personal attachment to wealth. By giving to our relatives, we strengthen the bonds of kinship and fulfill our obligations towards our family members.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa (4:36), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) commands,

Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of doing good to relatives, neighbors, and others in need. It highlights that acts of kindness and benevolence towards our neighbors are integral to our worship of Allah. By being good to our neighbors, we create a harmonious and compassionate society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that the act of giving and purifying our wealth should extend beyond the obligatory charity. It should encompass acts of kindness towards our neighbors and maintaining strong ties with our relatives. By being good to our neighbors, we foster a sense of community, support, and cooperation. It involves showing compassion, helping in times of need, and respecting their rights.

Similarly, maintaining strong ties with our relatives is essential for the well-being of our families and the preservation of our Islamic values. It involves regular communication, visiting one another, supporting each other in times of difficulty, and resolving conflicts with patience and forgiveness. By doing so, we strengthen the fabric of our families and contribute to the overall stability and unity of the Muslim community.

The consequences of following this Hadith are profound. By being good to our neighbors and maintaining strong ties with our relatives, we create an environment of love, compassion, and unity. Our actions reflect the teachings of Islam and serve as a means of spreading goodness and righteousness in society. Additionally, we earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and increase our chances of attaining His mercy and forgiveness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being good to our neighbors and maintaining strong ties with our relatives. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of acts of kindness, charity, and maintaining family bonds. By embodying these teachings, we contribute to the well-being of our communities, strengthen our families, and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow these teachings and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.