Hadith #1786

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, "بِالجُودِ تَكُوُنُ السِّيادَةُ۔" This Hadith can be translated as,

Through generosity, authority is acquired.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (جُود) "Jood" refers to generosity, which encompasses acts of kindness, charity, and benevolence. It is the act of giving without expecting anything in return, out of a sincere desire to help others. (سِّيَادَةُ) "Siyaadah" refers to authority or leadership, indicating a position of power and influence.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and its impact on attaining leadership and authority.

In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the virtue of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) who welcomed and supported the Muhajireen (the emigrants from Makkah). Despite their own needs and hardships, the Ansar generously prioritized the well-being of the Muhajireen. Their selflessness and generosity played a significant role in establishing the authority and leadership of the Islamic community.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261), Allah says,

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 illustrates the concept of the multiplication of rewards for those who spend their wealth in the path of Allah. Just as a single seed yields a bountiful harvest, the act of generosity leads to abundant blessings and rewards from Allah. This abundance includes the acquisition of authority and leadership, as it is a reflection of one's righteousness and piety.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that true authority and leadership are not attained through force or coercion, but through the noble act of generosity. When a leader is generous, compassionate, and selfless, they earn the respect and loyalty of their followers. Their authority is based on the trust and admiration they inspire in others, rather than their ability to dominate or control.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this quality of generosity and benevolence. His knowledge, wisdom, and willingness to help others endeared him to the people, and he became known as the "Gate of Knowledge." His authority and leadership were not imposed by force, but rather earned through his selfless acts of kindness and his dedication to justice and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true authority and leadership are acquired through acts of generosity. By embodying the spirit of giving and selflessness, we not only earn the respect and admiration of others but also fulfill our duty as Muslims to help and support those in need. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive for leadership through acts of kindness and generosity.