Hadith #1799

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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, "مَنْ جادَ اصْطَنَعَ۔" which translates to

One who is open-handed does good to others.

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of generosity and the positive impact it has on both the giver and the recipient.

The word (jād) "جاد" in this Hadith refers to someone who is generous, open-handed, and willingly gives to others without hesitation. It signifies a person who possesses a noble character and a selfless nature. Such individuals are not only willing to share their wealth and possessions but also extend their kindness and support to those in need.

The act of being open-handed and doing good to others is highly praised in Islam. The Quran encourages Muslims to be generous and charitable, as it is a means of purifying one's wealth and attaining spiritual growth. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261):

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the concept of

spending in the way of Allah,

which includes acts of charity and generosity. Just as a seed multiplies and yields abundant crops, the rewards of giving generously are multiplied manifold by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This serves as a motivation for Muslims to be open-handed and engage in acts of goodness.

Moreover, the act of being open-handed not only benefits the recipient but also has positive consequences for the giver. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:272):

Not upon you, [O Muhammad], is [responsibility for] their guidance, but Allah guides whom He wills. And whatever good you [believers] spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the countenance of Allah. And whatever you spend of good - it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.

This verse highlights that whatever good we spend, whether it is in the form of wealth, time, or effort, is ultimately for our own benefit. When we give generously, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone, He promises to fully repay us and ensure that we are not wronged. This serves as a reminder that generosity is not a loss but rather an investment with guaranteed returns in this world and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt a mindset of generosity and selflessness. By being open-handed, we not only fulfill the rights of others but also attain spiritual growth, purify our wealth, and secure blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through acts of goodness and generosity that we can positively impact the lives of others and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of being open-handed and doing good to others. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the virtues of generosity and the manifold rewards it brings. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be generous and selfless, and may He bless us with the means to do good to others.