Hadith #4536

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of paying zakāt and its profound impact on the purification of the soul. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith, exploring its key words and their meanings in light of the Quran.

The word (zakāt) "زَكَاةَ" in Arabic refers to the obligatory alms-giving that Muslims are required to pay from their wealth. It is a means of purifying one's wealth and purging the soul from greed and attachment to material possessions. The word (malih) "مَالِهِ" signifies one's wealth or possessions, encompassing all forms of financial assets.

To understand the significance of paying zakāt, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Tawbah (9:103), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.

This verse emphasizes the purification aspect of zakāt, indicating that it serves as a means to cleanse one's wealth and increase its blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the early Muslims in Madinah, who prioritized the needs of the emigrants over their own, demonstrating the importance of overcoming the greediness of the soul.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes that one who fulfills the obligation of paying zakāt will be protected from the greediness of their soul. By giving a portion of their wealth to those in need, individuals detach themselves from the love of material possessions and cultivate a sense of selflessness and compassion. This act of charity serves as a means of purifying the soul and strengthening one's faith.

The consequences of neglecting zakāt are also highlighted in the Quran. In Surah Al-Tawbah (9:34), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

O you who have believed, indeed many of the scholars and the monks devour the wealth of people unjustly and avert [them] from the way of Allah. And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah - give them tidings of a painful punishment.

This verse emphasizes the severity of withholding wealth and not fulfilling the obligation of zakāt, indicating that it can lead to a painful punishment.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, we realize the profound impact that paying zakāt has on our spiritual well-being. By fulfilling this obligation, we not only purify our wealth but also protect ourselves from the insidious nature of greed. It serves as a reminder that our possessions are a trust from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and it is our duty to utilize them for the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of paying zakāt as a means of protecting oneself from the greediness of the soul. Through the act of giving, we purify our wealth and cultivate selflessness and compassion. The Quranic verses mentioned further reinforce the significance of zakāt and its impact on the spiritual and material well-being of Muslims. May we all strive to fulfill this obligation and attain success in this world and the Hereafter.