Hadith #1440

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لا سَوْأَةَ أَسْوَأُ مِنَ البُخْلِ

which translates to

There is no evil trait worse than stinginess.

This Hadith emphasizes the severity and gravity of the characteristic of stinginess, highlighting its detrimental effects on individuals and society as a whole.

The word (bukhl) "بُخْلِ" refers to stinginess or miserliness. It is the opposite of generosity and entails a reluctance to spend or give, even when one has the means to do so. Stinginess is a negative trait that is condemned in Islam, as it goes against the principles of compassion, kindness, and charity that are emphasized in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of generosity and condemn the act of hoarding wealth. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9):

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 virtue of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah). Despite their own limited resources, the Ansar displayed selflessness and generosity, prioritizing the needs of others over their own. This exemplifies the opposite of stinginess and serves as a reminder of the importance of giving and sharing.

Another verse that emphasizes the importance of generosity is found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177):

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights that true righteousness is not merely in performing outward acts of worship, but also in giving wealth to those in need, despite one's attachment to it. It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the rights of others and being generous with one's wealth, as a reflection of true faith and righteousness.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the severity of stinginess by stating that there is no evil trait worse than it. Stinginess is not only detrimental to the individual who possesses it, but it also has negative consequences for society as a whole. When people are stingy and unwilling to share their wealth, it leads to inequality, poverty, and a lack of compassion and empathy.

Stinginess prevents individuals from fulfilling their obligations towards their fellow human beings and neglecting their duty to help those in need. It hampers the development of a just and equitable society, as it perpetuates disparities and prevents the redistribution of wealth to those who are less fortunate.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the severity of stinginess to remind Muslims of the importance of generosity and selflessness. He encourages us to reflect on our own actions and attitudes towards wealth and to strive towards embodying the qualities of generosity and compassion.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid the evil trait of stinginess. It emphasizes the importance of generosity and selflessness, as exemplified by the teachings of the Quran and the actions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. By being generous and sharing our wealth with those in need, we can contribute to the development of a just and compassionate society, fulfilling our obligations as Muslims and followers of the Ahl al-Bayt. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to embody the virtues of generosity and protect us from the vice of stinginess.