Hadith #4724

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ظَلَمَ السَّخاءَ مَنْ مَنَعَ العَطاءَ۔

This can be translated as,

He who holds back from giving has oppressed generosity.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (zalam) "ظَلَمَ" in this Hadith means to oppress or wrong someone. It implies an act of injustice or transgression. The word (sakhā') "سَّخَاءَ" refers to generosity, the act of giving freely and abundantly. And the word (mana'a) "مَنَعَ" means to withhold or prevent.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of generosity and giving in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261), Allah says,

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies His reward for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the immense reward and blessings that come with giving in the way of Allah. It illustrates how generosity is like a seed that multiplies and brings forth abundant goodness. By withholding from giving, one not only denies others the blessings of their generosity but also oppresses the very essence of generosity itself.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), 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 emphasizes the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah's presence, which includes seeking His blessings and provisions. By holding back from giving, one limits their own sustenance and deprives themselves of the blessings that come with generosity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that true generosity lies not only in giving but also in the willingness to give abundantly and freely. When we hold back from giving, we not only deny others the help they may need but also oppress the very concept of generosity itself. By hoarding our wealth and resources, we limit the potential for goodness and fail to fulfill our duty as Muslims.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of selflessness and empathy. When we give generously, we demonstrate compassion and concern for the well-being of others. By withholding from giving, we prioritize our own desires and needs over the needs of others, which goes against the teachings of Islam.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. When we hold back from giving, we not only oppress generosity but also hinder our own spiritual growth. Generosity is a quality that purifies the heart, strengthens relationships, and brings about positive change in society. By denying ourselves the opportunity to give, we miss out on the transformative power of generosity and its potential to bring about positive change in our lives and the lives of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of generosity and the consequences of withholding from giving. It urges us to embrace the virtue of generosity and to give freely and abundantly, for in doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also experience the blessings and rewards that come with it. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be generous and selfless, and may He bless us with the means to give abundantly for His sake.