Hadith #10690

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The most excellent person is the generous one who possesses certitude.

This beautiful saying highlights two important qualities that are highly esteemed in Islam: generosity and certitude.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word "sakhī" refers to a person who is generous, open-handed, and willing to give abundantly. This generosity encompasses not only material possessions but also extends to acts of kindness, compassion, and support towards others. The word "muqīn" refers to someone who possesses certitude or firm belief. This person has a strong conviction in the truth of Islam and the teachings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and is unwavering in their faith.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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.

This verse emphasizes the importance of combining faith with acts of charity and generosity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the righteous believers, saying,

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse highlights the selflessness and sincerity of those who give generously for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) without expecting anything in return.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of combining generosity and certitude. A person who possesses both qualities is truly excellent in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us reflect on the implications of this Hadith.

When we are generous, we not only benefit others but also purify our own souls. Generosity is an act of worship that brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and earns His pleasure. It is a means of expressing gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us and a way to fulfill our duty towards our fellow human beings. By giving generously, we emulate the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who were known for their selflessness and compassion.

Certitude, on the other hand, is the foundation of our faith. It is the unwavering belief in the truth of Islam and the teachings of the Quran. When we possess certitude, we are not swayed by doubts or uncertainties. We have complete trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and His promises. This firm belief gives us strength and resilience in the face of challenges and enables us to navigate through the complexities of life with confidence and tranquility.

The combination of generosity and certitude is powerful and transformative. When we are generous with our wealth, time, and resources, we not only benefit others but also strengthen our own faith. Generosity reinforces our certitude and deepens our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through acts of kindness and giving that we manifest our faith in action and become a source of goodness in the world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the most excellent person is the one who combines generosity and certitude. By being generous, we fulfill our duty towards others and purify our souls. By possessing certitude, we strengthen our faith and find solace in the teachings of Islam. Let us strive to embody these qualities in our lives and follow the example of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who epitomized the perfect balance of generosity and certitude. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to be generous and steadfast in our faith.