Hadith #3279

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns Muslims to stay away from two detestable qualities: miserliness (bukhl) and hypocrisy (nifaq). These two traits are considered among the worst moral characteristics that a person can possess.

Let us first delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith. "Bukhl" refers to extreme stinginess or miserliness, where a person withholds their wealth and possessions, even when they have the means to help others or fulfill their obligations. "Nifaq" refers to hypocrisy, which is the act of pretending to have beliefs or virtues that one does not truly possess. It involves deceit and insincerity in one's actions and words.

The Quran provides us with several verses that emphasize the importance of avoiding these reprehensible qualities. In Surah Al-Isra (17:100), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'If you possess the depositories of the mercy of my Lord, then you would withhold out of fear of spending.' And ever has man been stingy.

This verse highlights the tendency of human beings to be miserly, even when they have been blessed with abundant resources. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to overcome this inclination and be generous with their wealth.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Munafiqun (63:1), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muhammad], they say, 'We testify that you are the Messenger of Allah.' And Allah knows that you are His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars.

This verse exposes the hypocrisy of those who claim to believe in the Prophet (ﷺ) but inwardly harbor disbelief or ill intentions. It serves as a reminder to Muslims to be sincere in their faith and actions, avoiding any form of hypocrisy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to Muslims to stay away from miserliness and hypocrisy carries profound wisdom. Miserliness not only deprives individuals of the opportunity to earn rewards and blessings from Allah, but it also hinders the progress and well-being of society as a whole. When people hoard their wealth and refuse to share it with those in need, it leads to inequality, poverty, and suffering. On the other hand, generosity and charity are highly encouraged in Islam, as they promote compassion, unity, and social justice.

Hypocrisy, on the other hand, is a grave spiritual disease that undermines the sincerity and integrity of a person's faith. It involves presenting oneself as a believer while harboring disbelief or engaging in sinful behavior. Hypocrites deceive others and themselves, creating division and confusion within the Muslim community. By warning against hypocrisy, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to be genuine in their beliefs and actions, striving for consistency and sincerity in their worship of Allah.

The consequences of embracing miserliness and hypocrisy are severe. Miserliness leads to a narrow-minded and self-centered mindset, preventing individuals from experiencing the blessings and rewards that come with generosity. It also distances them from the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of charity and helping those in need. Hypocrisy, on the other hand, not only damages one's relationship with Allah, but it also erodes trust and unity within the Muslim community. It creates a facade of righteousness while concealing corruption and insincerity.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims should strive to embody the opposite qualities of miserliness and hypocrisy. They should be generous with their wealth, time, and resources, seeking opportunities to help others and alleviate their suffering. They should also strive for sincerity and authenticity in their faith, ensuring that their actions align with their beliefs. By doing so, Muslims can cultivate a society that is characterized by compassion, justice, and unity, in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the vices of miserliness and hypocrisy and grant us the strength to embody the virtues of generosity and sincerity. Ameen.