Hadith #5696

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

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

الصَّدَقَةُ تَقي مَصارِعَ السُّوءِ

which translates to

Charity protects one from falling into evil.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the immense spiritual and moral benefits of giving charity.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (charity) "الصَّدَقَةُ" refers to the act of giving selflessly and generously for the sake of Allah. It encompasses not only monetary donations but also acts of kindness, compassion, and assistance to those in need. (protects) "تَقِي" signifies a shield or barrier that safeguards a person from harm or wrongdoing. (falling into evil) "مَصَارِعَ السُّوءِ" refers to the temptations, vices, and sins that can lead a person astray from the path of righteousness.

To understand the significance of charity in protecting one from evil, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:277),

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse emphasizes the importance of charity as one of the pillars of faith and righteousness. It assures the believers that their acts of charity will be rewarded by Allah, and they will be protected from fear and grief.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:7), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 belief, spending in the way of Allah, and the promise of a great reward. By giving charity, Muslims demonstrate their faith and trust in Allah's provision, and in return, they are protected from the allure of evil.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that charity is not merely a financial transaction, but a means of purifying the soul and protecting oneself from the traps of sin. When we give charity, we detach ourselves from the love of material possessions and develop a sense of empathy and compassion towards those in need. This act of selflessness strengthens our connection with Allah and helps us resist the temptations of greed, envy, and selfishness.

Moreover, the act of giving charity has far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate benefit to the recipient. It fosters a culture of generosity and solidarity within the Muslim community, promoting social harmony and reducing disparities between the rich and the poor. It also serves as a means of purifying one's wealth and seeking forgiveness from Allah for any ill-gotten gains.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, we are reminded of the profound impact that charity can have on our spiritual well-being and our ability to resist evil. By giving selflessly and generously, we not only protect ourselves from falling into sin but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to give charity with sincerity and to reap its manifold rewards.