Hadith #10091

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Kun bi maalika mutabarri'an, wa'an maali ghayrika mutawarri'an.

This can be translated as,

Be a [generous] donor with your [own] wealth while being cautious with the wealth of others.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of being generous and charitable with our own wealth, while also emphasizing the need to exercise caution and responsibility when dealing with the wealth of others.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The term "mutabarri'an" comes from the root word "tabarru'", which means to donate or give freely. It implies a voluntary act of generosity and selflessness. On the other hand, the term "mutawarri'an" comes from the root word "tawarri'", which means to exercise caution or be careful. It signifies the need to handle the wealth of others with utmost care and responsibility.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267),

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving from what is good and pure, and not from what is defective or of low quality. It encourages Muslims to be generous and charitable with their wealth, but also reminds them to be cautious and discerning in their giving.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and support in all matters, including our financial dealings. It reminds us to be mindful of our actions and to seek His blessings and assistance in being generous with our wealth while being cautious and responsible.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between generosity and caution. It encourages us to be charitable and giving with our own wealth, recognizing that it is a means of earning reward and purifying our souls. At the same time, it reminds us to exercise caution and responsibility when dealing with the wealth of others, ensuring that we do not cause harm or act unjustly.

By being generous with our own wealth, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also contribute to the betterment of society. Our generosity can have a profound impact on the lives of those in need, providing them with the means to meet their basic needs and improve their circumstances. It is a means of expressing gratitude to Allah for the blessings He has bestowed upon us and a way to emulate the noble qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

On the other hand, exercising caution and responsibility when dealing with the wealth of others is essential to maintain trust and fairness in our interactions. It prevents us from taking advantage of others or causing harm through negligence or mismanagement. It reflects the teachings of Islam, which emphasize justice, honesty, and accountability in all aspects of life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be generous and charitable with their own wealth while exercising caution and responsibility when dealing with the wealth of others. It encourages us to strike a balance between giving freely and being mindful of our actions, ensuring that we fulfill our duty as Muslims and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in embodying these teachings and bless us with the ability to be generous and responsible stewards of wealth.