Hadith #8777

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic phrase of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is "مَنْ قَلَّ ذَلَّ۔" This phrase can be translated into English as

One who is less [in generosity and affection] is abased.

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

The word (qalla) "قَلَّ" in this Hadith means "less" or "decreased." It refers to a deficiency or scarcity in one's generosity and affection towards others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the importance of being generous and affectionate towards others, as these qualities elevate a person's status and honor.

To understand the significance of generosity and affection in Islam, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah and doing good deeds. Generosity is not limited to monetary contributions; it encompasses all acts of kindness, whether it be helping others, offering support, or sharing knowledge. By being generous, we uplift ourselves and contribute to the well-being of society.

Affection, on the other hand, refers to showing love, compassion, and care towards others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Rum (30:21),

And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who give thought.

This verse highlights the importance of affection and mercy in the relationship between spouses. It reminds us that affection is a divine gift that brings tranquility and harmony to our lives. By extending affection to others, we create an atmosphere of love and compassion, fostering strong bonds within our families and communities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that those who lack generosity and affection are abased. This means that their status and honor are diminished in the eyes of Allah and the people around them. When we withhold our generosity and fail to show affection, we distance ourselves from the teachings of Islam and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

The consequences of being abased due to a lack of generosity and affection are far-reaching. It affects our relationships, our communities, and our own spiritual growth. When we are stingy and cold-hearted, we create divisions and animosity among people. Conversely, when we are generous and affectionate, we foster unity, harmony, and a sense of belonging.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of embodying the qualities of generosity and affection in our daily lives. We should strive to be generous with our wealth, time, and knowledge, seeking opportunities to help and uplift others. Additionally, we should cultivate a culture of affection, expressing love, compassion, and care towards our families, friends, and fellow Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that those who are deficient in generosity and affection are abased. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of generosity and affection in Islam. By embodying these qualities, we elevate our status, contribute to the well-being of society, and strengthen our relationship with Allah and His creation. May Allah guide us to be generous and affectionate Muslims, and may He grant us the ability to uplift others and seek His pleasure.