Hadith #1451

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

البَخيلُ ذَليلٌ بَيْنَ أعِزَّتِهِ

which translates to

A miser is abased among those who are dear to him.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences and effects of being miserly or stingy.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words. The word (bakhil) "بَخيل" refers to a person who is miserly or stingy, someone who is reluctant to spend or give generously. The word (dhalil) "ذَليل" means abased, humiliated, or disgraced. And the phrase (bayna a'izzatihi) "بَيْنَ أعِزَّتِهِ" means among those who are dear to him or among his loved ones.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse warns against being miserly and advises us not to withhold our wealth or be excessively generous to the point of bankruptcy. It emphasizes the importance of finding a balanced approach in spending and giving.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 2:274)

Those who spend their wealth [in Allah's cause] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse highlights the virtue of spending in the way of Allah, both openly and in secret. It assures us that those who are generous with their wealth will be rewarded by Allah and will be free from fear and grief.

Now, let us delve into the essence of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. The Hadith teaches us that a person who is miserly or stingy is not only depriving others of their rights but also bringing disgrace upon themselves. When someone is close to us, whether it be family, friends, or loved ones, they expect us to be generous and kind-hearted. However, if we are known for our stinginess, it tarnishes our reputation and diminishes the respect and honor we receive from those who hold us dear.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences not only in this world but also in the eyes of Allah. Being miserly not only affects our relationships with others but also reflects a lack of trust in Allah's provision. It shows a lack of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us and a failure to recognize that wealth is a means to benefit others and earn the pleasure of Allah.

Let us reflect on the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. They were known for their generosity and selflessness, even in times of hardship. They understood that wealth is a trust from Allah and a means to fulfill the needs of others. Their generosity brought them respect, honor, and the love of the people.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be generous and open-hearted, especially towards those who are dear to us. It warns us of the consequences of being miserly and highlights the importance of finding a balanced approach in spending and giving. Let us strive to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions, and seek the pleasure of Allah through acts of generosity and kindness. May Allah guide us and enable us to be among those who are known for their generosity and compassion.