Hadith #5688

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "خَيْرُ الصَّدَقَةِ أخْفاها۔" This translates to,

The best charity is that which is given most secretly.

Let us delve into the essence of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (sadaqah) "صَدَقَة" in Arabic refers to acts of charity or giving for the sake of Allah. It encompasses various forms of giving, such as monetary donations, acts of kindness, and assistance to those in need. Sadaqah is not limited to material possessions; it can also include giving one's time, knowledge, or skills for the betterment of others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the best form of sadaqah is one that is given most secretly, highlighting the importance of sincerity and humility in our acts of charity. This Hadith encourages Muslims to perform acts of kindness without seeking recognition or praise from others. It reminds us that true charity is not about showcasing our generosity to the world but rather about the purity of our intentions and the sincerity of our actions.

The Quran supports this concept of secret charity in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:271)

If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you. And Allah will remove from you some of your misdeeds. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted.

This verse highlights that while it is permissible to openly disclose our charitable acts, concealing them and giving to those in need without seeking recognition is even better. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to reward those who give secretly by forgiving their sins and accepting their deeds.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'un, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) condemns those who neglect acts of kindness and charity, stating, (107:4-7)

So woe to those who pray [but] who are heedless of their prayer - those who make show [of their deeds] and withhold [simple] assistance.

This verse serves as a reminder that true charity is not just about performing religious rituals but also about actively helping others. It warns against those who only perform acts of charity for show, without genuinely caring for the welfare of those in need.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect on their intentions when engaging in acts of charity. It reminds us that the true essence of sadaqah lies in selflessness, compassion, and the desire to alleviate the suffering of others. When we give secretly, we eliminate the risk of seeking worldly recognition or praise, allowing our intentions to remain pure and solely for the sake of Allah.

By giving secretly, we also protect the dignity of those in need, as they are spared from feeling indebted or humiliated. This fosters a sense of equality and respect, as the act of charity becomes a means of uplifting others rather than asserting power or superiority.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best form of charity is one that is given most secretly. It emphasizes the importance of sincerity, humility, and selflessness in our acts of kindness. By giving without seeking recognition, we purify our intentions and ensure that our charity is solely for the sake of Allah. May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to practice this noble teaching and make our acts of charity a means of attaining His pleasure.