Hadith #4701

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Generosity and shame are the best characteristics.

This profound statement highlights the virtues of two important qualities: generosity and shame.

Firstly, let us delve into the meaning of the word (السَّخاءُ) "sakhā", which translates to generosity. Generosity is the act of giving freely and abundantly, without expecting anything in return. It encompasses both material and immaterial aspects, such as giving wealth, knowledge, time, and support to others. The concept of generosity is deeply rooted in the teachings of Islam and is highly encouraged in the Quran.

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 emphasizes the immense reward and blessings that come with being generous. It also highlights the concept of multiplication, indicating that the rewards for acts of generosity are multiplied manifold by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, the Quran encourages Muslims to be generous not only with their wealth but also with their words and actions. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being generous in our interactions with others, both in terms of material support and kind words. It teaches us that generosity is not limited to monetary donations but extends to acts of kindness, compassion, and support for those in need.

The second quality mentioned in the Hadith is (الحَياءُ) "hayā", which translates to shame or modesty. Hayā encompasses a sense of humility, bashfulness, and a conscious awareness of one's actions and their consequences. It is a quality that prevents one from engaging in sinful or inappropriate behavior and encourages one to uphold moral values and principles.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of modesty and shame in various contexts. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:26), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness - that is best. That is from the signs of Allah that perhaps they will remember.

This verse highlights the significance of modesty in our appearance and behavior. It teaches us that true beauty lies in righteousness and modesty, rather than in outward adornment. Modesty is a virtue that protects our dignity and safeguards us from falling into immoral or indecent actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that generosity and shame are the best characteristics. These qualities are intertwined and complement each other. Generosity, when combined with shame, ensures that our acts of kindness and giving are done with sincerity and humility. It prevents us from seeking recognition or praise for our good deeds, as our focus remains solely on pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, shame acts as a safeguard against arrogance and pride, reminding us of our vulnerability and dependence on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encourages us to be mindful of our actions and their consequences, ensuring that we do not transgress the boundaries of morality and ethics.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of cultivating the qualities of generosity and shame. These characteristics are not only praised by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) but are also supported by numerous Quranic verses. By embodying these virtues, we can strive to become better individuals, contributing positively to society and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our actions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be generous and modest, and may He bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.