Hadith #4999

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the qualities that distinguish the eminent individuals in both this world and the Hereafter. The Arabic word (as-khiya) "أسْخَى" refers to those who are generous, noble, and open-handed. They are known for their selflessness and willingness to give and share with others. In the context of this Hadith, the term "أسْخَى" encompasses not only material generosity but also encompasses generosity in character, knowledge, and actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then contrasts the qualities that define the eminent individuals in the Hereafter, using the term (at-qiya) "أتْقَى". "أتْقَى" refers to those who are God-wary, pious, and righteous. They are individuals who fear Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and strive to uphold His commandments in all aspects of their lives. They are conscious of their actions and constantly seek to purify their hearts and souls.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for further guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and righteousness, both in this world and the Hereafter.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:245)

Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.

This verse highlights the concept of generosity and giving in the path of Allah. Those who are generous with their wealth, knowledge, and resources for the sake of Allah will be rewarded manifold in this world and the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 57:18)

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 emphasizes the importance of generosity and selflessness, highlighting that those who give in the way of Allah will be rewarded abundantly.

On the other hand, the Quran also emphasizes the significance of taqwa (God-consciousness) and righteousness. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 49:13)

Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse reminds us that true eminence lies in righteousness and piety. It is not wealth, status, or worldly possessions that elevate a person, but rather their devotion to Allah and their adherence to His commandments.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see that the qualities of generosity and taqwa are interconnected. The generous individuals in this world are often the ones who possess taqwa, as they recognize that their wealth and resources are a trust from Allah and should be used to benefit others. Similarly, the God-wary individuals in the Hereafter are those who have cultivated a sense of generosity and selflessness in their lives, as their piety motivates them to serve and help others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true eminence lies in the combination of these qualities. The generous individuals who are selfless and giving in this world will be rewarded with eminence in the Hereafter, alongside those who are God-wary and righteous. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strive for both generosity and taqwa in their lives, as these qualities are the key to success in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the qualities of generosity and taqwa, and may He elevate us to the ranks of the eminent individuals in this world and the Hereafter.