Hadith #1412

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns against the vice of stinginess or miserliness. The word used in the Hadith for stinginess is (البُخلَ) "al-bukhl", which refers to an extreme reluctance to spend or give, even when one has the means to do so. This characteristic is strongly condemned in Islam, as it goes against the principles of generosity, compassion, and social responsibility that are emphasized in the Quran.

The Hadith highlights the negative consequences of stinginess. It states that the miser is hated by strangers and shunned by those who are close to him. This implies that stinginess not only affects one's relationships with others but also has wider social implications. Let us delve deeper into the Quran to understand the significance of this Hadith.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and spending in His book. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 63:10)

And spend of that with which We have provided you before death comes to one of you, and he says, 'My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.'

This verse highlights the urgency of spending in the way of Allah before it is too late.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:29)

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 the extremes of stinginess and extravagance. It encourages Muslims to strike a balance in their spending, avoiding both miserliness and wastefulness.

The consequences of stinginess are not limited to this world alone. In Surah Al-Tawbah, Allah describes the characteristics of the hypocrites and says, (Quran 9:58)

And among them are those who criticize you concerning the [distribution of] charities. If they are given from them, they approve; but if they are not given from them, at once they become angry.

This verse highlights the hypocrisy of those who are stingy in giving to charity. They may outwardly criticize the distribution of wealth, but in reality, they are driven by their own selfish desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warning against stinginess is a reminder for Muslims to be generous and selfless in their dealings with others. Stinginess not only harms one's relationships but also deprives individuals and communities of the blessings that come with giving. Generosity, on the other hand, fosters unity, compassion, and social well-being.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. His generosity was unparalleled, and he would often give away his wealth to those in need. His actions were in line with the teachings of the Quran, which encourages Muslims to spend in the way of Allah and help those who are less fortunate.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to refrain from stinginess and embrace generosity. It highlights the negative consequences of miserliness and emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah. By being generous and selfless, we not only improve our relationships with others but also fulfill our social responsibilities as Muslims. May Allah guide us all to be generous and compassionate individuals.