Hadith #1806

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) highlights the virtues of generosity and stinginess. Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this hadith.

The Arabic word (al-jawad) "الجَوادُ" refers to a person who is generous, benevolent, and open-handed. This person possesses the quality of giving and sharing without expecting anything in return. The word (mahbub) "مَحْبُوبٌ" means loved or beloved, indicating that the generous person is held in high regard and is cherished by others. The word (mahmud) "مَحْمُودٌ" means praised, signifying that the generous person is also commended and admired for their acts of generosity. On the other hand, the word (al-bakhil) "البَخِيْلُ" refers to a person who is stingy, miserly, and reluctant to part with their wealth or possessions.

To understand the significance of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and condemns stinginess. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:262)

Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders [of it] or [other] injury will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve

This verse highlights the virtue of spending in the cause of Allah and the promise of reward for those who do so sincerely.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah describes the characteristics of the righteous, saying, (Quran 17:26-27)

And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving to those in need while also cautioning against wastefulness. It highlights the negative consequences of stinginess and the association of wastefulness with the actions of Satan.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith. The generous person is loved and praised, not only for their material acts of generosity but also for the noble qualities that they embody. Their selflessness and willingness to help others create a positive impact on society, earning them the admiration and respect of others. Even if the full extent of their generosity does not reach the person who praises them, their reputation as a generous individual precedes them.

On the other hand, the stingy person is the opposite of the generous person. Their reluctance to share their wealth or possessions reflects a lack of empathy and compassion. This behavior not only harms the individuals who are in need but also tarnishes their own reputation. The stingy person is seen as selfish and ungenerous, which leads to a loss of respect and admiration from others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate the virtue of generosity in their lives. It encourages us to be selfless and compassionate, to give without expecting anything in return, and to strive for the betterment of society. By doing so, we not only earn the love and praise of others but also attain spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of generosity and condemns stinginess. It reminds us that the generous person is loved and praised, even if their acts of generosity do not directly benefit the person who praises them. Conversely, the stingy person is seen as selfish and ungenerous, leading to a loss of respect and admiration. This hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of giving and condemns wastefulness. As Muslims, we should strive to embody the qualities of generosity and selflessness, seeking the pleasure of Allah and the love and admiration of our fellow believers.