Hadith #3049

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

بَذْلُ الجاهِ زَكوةُ الْجاهِ۔

This can be translated as,

Being generous with power [and fulfilling the needs of the people with it] is the alms-tax of power.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. (bathl) "بَذْلُ" means to give or to bestow. (al-jah) "الجاهِ" refers to power, authority, or influence. And (zakat) "زَكوةُ" means alms-tax or charity.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9):

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home 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 emphasizes the importance of selflessness and generosity towards others. The believers are encouraged to prioritize the needs of others over their own, even if they themselves are in need. This selflessness is a manifestation of the true spirit of Islam and is a characteristic of those who will be successful in the Hereafter.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking strength and sustenance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It reminds us that true power and authority come from Allah alone. Therefore, those who possess power should use it for the betterment of society and fulfill the needs of the people, as it is a trust bestowed upon them by Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith beautifully encapsulates this concept. It teaches us that those in positions of power should not hoard it for personal gain or misuse it for their own interests. Instead, they should be generous with their power and use it to benefit the community. By doing so, they fulfill the "zakat" or alms-tax of power, which means they are fulfilling their duty to Allah and the people.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for leaders and individuals in positions of authority to be mindful of their responsibilities. It encourages them to be selfless, compassionate, and empathetic towards those they govern. By fulfilling the needs of the people and being generous with their power, they establish justice, harmony, and social welfare in society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this quality throughout his life. His knowledge, wisdom, and justice were renowned, and he always prioritized the well-being of the people. His famous saying,

People are of two types: either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity,

reflects his commitment to treating all individuals with fairness and compassion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of being generous with power and using it to fulfill the needs of the people. It reminds us that true power comes from Allah, and those who possess it should wield it responsibly for the betterment of society. By doing so, they fulfill their duty to Allah and establish justice and compassion in the world. May Allah guide us all to be selfless and generous in our actions and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.