Hadith #5698

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الصَّدَقَةُ أفْضَلُ الحَسَناتِ۔" This translates to

Charity is the best of virtuous deeds.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (sadaqah) "صَدَقَةُ" refers to voluntary acts of charity and giving, which can include monetary donations, acts of kindness, and helping others in need. It is an act of selflessness and generosity, motivated by a sincere desire to please Allah and benefit His creation. The word (afdal) "أَفْضَلُ" means the best, superior, or most excellent, indicating that charity holds a position of utmost importance and superiority among virtuous deeds.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the significance of charity and its elevated status. 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 highlights the immense reward and blessings that come with giving in the path of Allah. Just as a single seed can yield a bountiful harvest, the act of charity multiplies and brings forth abundant blessings in this life and the hereafter. It demonstrates the infinite generosity of Allah, who multiplies the rewards for those who give sincerely.

Another verse that emphasizes the superiority of charity is found in Surah Al-Hadid (57:7), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors. For those who have believed among you and spent, there will be a great reward.

This verse highlights the correlation between faith, belief in Allah and His Messenger, and the act of spending in the way of Allah. It emphasizes that true believers are those who not only have faith but also demonstrate it through their actions, particularly through acts of charity. It further emphasizes the promise of a great reward for those who give generously.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the immense value and significance of charity. It encourages believers to prioritize acts of giving and selflessness, recognizing that charity is not only a means of helping others but also a means of purifying one's own soul and seeking closeness to Allah.

When we engage in acts of charity, we develop a sense of empathy and compassion for those in need, fostering a spirit of unity and solidarity within the Muslim community. It also serves as a means of purifying our wealth and protecting us from the love of material possessions, reminding us that true wealth lies in the blessings and rewards of the hereafter.

Furthermore, the act of charity has far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate impact on the recipient. It inspires others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of goodness and generosity. It also serves as a means of rectifying societal imbalances, as the act of giving helps to bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots, promoting social justice and equality.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that charity is not merely a virtuous deed among many, but rather the best and most superior of virtuous deeds. It encourages us to prioritize acts of giving and selflessness, recognizing the immense rewards and blessings that come with it. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) enable us to embody the spirit of charity and strive to be among those who give generously for His sake.