Hadith #1405

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Stinginess earns dishonor and makes one enter hellfire.

This beautiful saying highlights the detrimental consequences of being stingy and miserly. To fully understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used.

The word (bukhl) "بُخْلُ" refers to stinginess or miserliness. It is the opposite of generosity and denotes a reluctance to spend or give. The word (yaksibu) "يَكْسِبُ" means to earn or acquire. It implies that stinginess leads to negative consequences. The word (al-'aar) "العارَ" translates to dishonor or disgrace, indicating that stinginess brings about a loss of respect and dignity. Finally, the phrase (wayudkhilu al-nar) "ويُدْخِلُ النَّارَ" means

and makes one enter hellfire,

emphasizing the severe punishment that awaits those who are stingy.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and condemns stinginess. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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 highlights the immense rewards and blessings that come with spending in the way of Allah, contrasting the miserly behavior that leads to dishonor.

In Surah Al-Isra, verse 29, Allah says,

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 excessively stingy or excessively generous, as both extremes can lead to negative consequences. It emphasizes the importance of finding a balanced approach in our spending and giving, avoiding the dishonor that comes with stinginess.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quranic verses, we can understand the motivation behind this statement. Stinginess not only deprives others of our help and support but also tarnishes our own reputation and honor. When we are stingy, we are seen as selfish and ungenerous, which diminishes our standing in the eyes of others. Moreover, stinginess is a reflection of a lack of trust in Allah's provision and a failure to recognize the blessings He has bestowed upon us.

The consequences of stinginess are far-reaching. It not only affects our relationships with others but also has spiritual implications. By hoarding our wealth and refusing to spend it for the sake of Allah and the betterment of society, we distance ourselves from the path of righteousness. This ultimately leads to the punishment of hellfire, as mentioned in the Hadith.

Therefore, as Muslims, we are encouraged to be generous and open-hearted, following the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By being generous, we not only earn the pleasure of Allah but also gain the respect and admiration of our fellow human beings. Let us strive to cultivate a spirit of generosity, recognizing that our wealth is a trust from Allah and a means to benefit others. May Allah protect us from the vice of stinginess and guide us on the path of generosity and righteousness.