Hadith #10321

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ما حُصِّنَتِ النِّعَمُ بِمِثْلِ الإنْعامِ بِها۔

This can be translated as,

Nothing safeguards blessings like granting them to others.

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

The word (niʿamu) "نِعَمُ" in this Hadith refers to blessings or favors bestowed upon an individual by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). These blessings can encompass various aspects of life, such as health, wealth, knowledge, and relationships. The word (ḥuṣṣinat) "حُصِّنَتِ" means to safeguard or protect, while (inʿāmi) "إنْعامِ" refers to the act of bestowing or granting blessings to others.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261),

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] 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 concept of giving and spending in the way of Allah. When we share our blessings with others, whether it be through charity, knowledge, or acts of kindness, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) multiplies those blessings and rewards us abundantly. By granting our blessings to others, we not only safeguard them but also increase them manifold.

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

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 importance of selflessness and generosity. The believers in Al-Madinah loved and supported the emigrants who sought refuge with them, even though they themselves were in need. They put the needs of others before their own, demonstrating the essence of granting blessings to others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises those who are protected from the stinginess of their souls and assures them of success.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses, we understand that by sharing our blessings with others, we not only protect and preserve those blessings but also increase them in abundance. When we selflessly give to others, whether it be our time, wealth, or knowledge, we open the doors for Allah's mercy and blessings to flow into our lives.

Moreover, this Hadith teaches us the importance of gratitude. When we acknowledge and appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we are motivated to share those blessings with others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also inspire others to do the same, creating a cycle of generosity and kindness within the community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of granting blessings to others. By sharing our blessings with those in need, we not only safeguard and increase those blessings but also embody the true spirit of Islam. Let us strive to be selfless and generous, following the example set by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to grant blessings to others and protect us from the stinginess of our souls.