Hadith #2371

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

بَذْلُ العَطاءِ زَكوةُ النَّعْماءِ۔

which translates to

Giving generously is the alms-tax of blessings.

This enlightening Hadith emphasizes the importance of giving and sharing one's blessings with others. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (badhl) "بَذْلُ" in Arabic refers to giving or bestowing something upon others. It implies a voluntary act of generosity and kindness. The act of giving is not only a means of benefiting others but also a way to purify and cleanse our own blessings. The word (al-'atā') "العَطاءِ" means giving or bestowing, and it encompasses all forms of giving, whether it be material possessions, knowledge, or even a kind word.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes this act of giving as (zakātun-na'mā') "زَكوةُ النَّعْماءِ". The term (zakāt) "زَكوةُ" refers to purification or growth. It is a form of obligatory charity in Islam, but in this context, it symbolizes the purification of our blessings through giving. By sharing our blessings with others, we purify and enhance the value of those blessings.

The word (an-na'mā') "النَّعْماءِ" means blessings or favors. It encompasses all the bounties and favors that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. These blessings can be material wealth, health, knowledge, or any other form of goodness that we possess. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that giving generously is the means by which we fulfill the obligation of purifying and growing our blessings.

The Quran supports the concept of giving generously as a means of purifying our blessings. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:92)

Never will you attain the righteousness until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving from what we hold dear, as it is a means of attaining righteousness and pleasing Allah.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hashr, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 76:8-9)

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude'

This verse highlights the selflessness and sincerity in giving, as it is done solely for the sake of Allah and seeking His pleasure.

When we give generously, we not only benefit others but also experience personal growth and spiritual elevation. By sharing our blessings, we cultivate a sense of empathy, compassion, and gratitude within ourselves. We become more aware of the needs of others and develop a deeper connection with our fellow human beings. This act of giving also serves as a means of purifying our hearts from greed, selfishness, and attachment to worldly possessions.

Furthermore, giving generously has far-reaching consequences in society. It fosters a culture of sharing and caring, where individuals support and uplift one another. It helps to alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and create a sense of unity and solidarity among the members of the community. Through our acts of giving, we contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of giving generously as a means of purifying and growing our blessings. By sharing our blessings with others, we not only benefit them but also experience personal growth and spiritual elevation. The Quranic verses mentioned support this concept and emphasize the righteousness and selflessness in giving. Let us strive to embody the spirit of generosity and make giving a fundamental part of our lives as Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to give generously and purify our blessings.