Hadith #1404

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "البُخْلُ أحَدُ الفَقْرَينِ" which translates to

Stinginess is one of the two forms of poverty.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the detrimental nature of stinginess and its impact on an individual's spiritual and material well-being.

The word (bukhl) "بُخْلُ" refers to stinginess or miserliness, which is the unwillingness to spend or share one's wealth or resources. It is a characteristic that stems from a deep attachment to material possessions and a fear of scarcity. This Hadith emphasizes that stinginess is not only a moral flaw but also a form of poverty, as it restricts one's ability to experience the blessings and abundance that come from generosity.

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 spending in His Book. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 3:92)

Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it

This verse highlights the connection between spending in the way of Allah and attaining goodness. It implies that withholding wealth out of stinginess deprives one of the blessings and rewards that come with generosity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of stinginess, saying, (Quran 17:27)

Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful

This verse draws a parallel between stinginess and wastefulness, suggesting that both extremes are condemned. Stinginess is likened to the behavior of the devil, who is ungrateful to Allah. This comparison highlights the spiritual and moral degradation that accompanies a miserly attitude.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect on their own relationship with wealth and generosity. Stinginess not only impoverishes one's material resources but also impoverishes the soul. When one hoards wealth and fails to share it with those in need, they deny themselves the opportunity to experience the blessings and rewards that come from giving.

Moreover, stinginess can have far-reaching consequences beyond an individual's personal wealth. It can hinder the progress and development of society as a whole. When resources are not shared equitably, poverty and inequality persist, and the gap between the rich and the poor widens. Islam promotes a balanced approach to wealth, where individuals are encouraged to earn, spend, and share in a responsible and just manner.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying serves as a call to action for Muslims to examine their own attitudes towards wealth and generosity. It reminds us that true wealth lies not in the accumulation of material possessions, but in the willingness to share and give for the sake of Allah. By overcoming stinginess and embracing generosity, Muslims can not only alleviate poverty but also enrich their own lives and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah guide us all to be generous and compassionate, and may He bless us with abundance in this world and the Hereafter.