Hadith #10077

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

خُذُوا مِنْ كَرائِمِ أمْوالِكُم ما يَرْفَعُ بِهِ رَبُّكُمْ سَنِيَّ أعْمالِكُمْ۔

This Hadith encourages Muslims to spend from the best and most precious of their possessions in the way of Allah, knowing that their Lord will elevate their righteous deeds because of it.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (karaimi) "كَرائِمِ" refers to the most honorable and noble possessions or wealth that one possesses. It signifies the importance of giving from the best of what we have, rather than offering mere leftovers or surplus. This highlights the concept of excellence in our acts of charity and generosity.

The word (yarfa'u) "يَرْفَعُ" means to elevate or raise. In the context of this Hadith, it implies that when we spend from our most precious possessions for the sake of Allah, our Lord will elevate our righteous deeds in rank and reward. This elevation can manifest in various ways, such as increased blessings, acceptance of prayers, and spiritual growth.

This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of spending in the way of Allah. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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 beautifully illustrates the concept of Allah's multiplication of rewards for those who spend in His cause. Just as a single seed can yield a bountiful harvest, our sincere and generous acts of charity can result in abundant blessings and rewards from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 18, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.

This verse reinforces the idea that when we give from the best of our possessions, it is as if we are lending to Allah Himself. And just as a loan is expected to be repaid with interest, Allah promises to multiply the reward for those who give generously. This multiplication of rewards is a manifestation of Allah's mercy and generosity towards His servants.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that spending from our most precious possessions is not only an act of charity but also a means of elevating our own spiritual status. It is a demonstration of our trust in Allah's promise to reward us abundantly for our sincere efforts.

When we give from the best of what we have, we display our devotion and love for Allah, recognizing that everything we possess is ultimately a blessing from Him. By sacrificing our most cherished possessions, we detach ourselves from the material world and strengthen our connection with the Divine.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the motivation behind our acts of charity. Are we giving merely to fulfill a duty or seeking recognition from others? Or are we giving selflessly, solely for the sake of pleasing Allah and seeking His pleasure?

The consequences of following the guidance of this Hadith are profound. When we give from our most precious possessions with sincerity and selflessness, we purify our intentions and strengthen our relationship with Allah. Our righteous deeds are elevated in rank, and we become recipients of Allah's mercy and blessings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to give from the best of their possessions, knowing that their Lord will elevate their righteous deeds because of it. This teaching aligns with the Quranic emphasis on the virtue of spending in the way of Allah. By reflecting on the profound implications of this Hadith and implementing its teachings in our lives, we can strive to attain a higher spiritual status and draw closer to our Creator. May Allah guide us all to be generous and selfless in our acts of charity, and may He accept our efforts and elevate our deeds.