Hadith #10112

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,

لافَخْرَ في الْمالِ إلاّ مََعَ الجُودِ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of generosity and highlights that wealth should not be a source of pride unless it is accompanied by acts of giving.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word "لافَخْرَ" translates to

there is no pride

or

there should be no arrogance.

It reminds us that wealth should not be a means for boasting or considering oneself superior to others. The word "فِي" means "in" or "with," indicating that the context of pride is related to wealth. The word "الْمالِ" refers to wealth, encompassing material possessions, money, and assets. Finally, the word "إلاّ" means "except" or "unless," implying that there is a condition to be met for pride to be justified.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and condemns arrogance and pride. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., the Prophet's city, Medina] 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 virtue of the Ansar (the residents of Medina) who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Mecca) with open hearts and open hands. They did not let their wealth become a source of pride or stinginess but rather prioritized the needs of others over their own. This exemplifies the essence of generosity and selflessness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah warns against arrogance and pride, saying,

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 reminds us to seek Allah's guidance and support in maintaining humility and avoiding arrogance.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It emphasizes that wealth alone should not be a source of pride. Instead, it is when wealth is accompanied by generosity, when it is used to benefit others and alleviate their suffering, that it becomes praiseworthy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself was a paragon of knowledge and generosity. His knowledge was not limited to worldly affairs but extended to the depths of spirituality and divine wisdom. He understood that wealth is a blessing from Allah and should be used to fulfill the rights of others. He would often distribute his wealth among the poor, the orphans, and those in need, without seeking recognition or praise.

The consequences of practicing the teachings of this Hadith are profound. When wealth is accompanied by generosity, it becomes a means of purifying the soul, attaining closeness to Allah, and earning His pleasure. It fosters a sense of empathy and compassion within us, reminding us of the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of investing in the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded to evaluate our relationship with wealth. Are we using it solely for personal gain and pride, or are we utilizing it to benefit others and earn the pleasure of Allah? Let us strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and make generosity an integral part of our lives, ensuring that our wealth becomes a means of spreading goodness and uplifting those in need.

May Allah guide us all to embody the spirit of generosity and humility, and may He bless us with the means to be generous and selfless.