Hadith #9911

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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:

وِزْرُ صَدَقَةِ المَنّانِ يَغْلِبُ أجْرَهُ۔

This can be translated as:

The sin of the charity given by the one who puts obligation is greater than its reward.

Let us delve into the meaning of important words in this Hadith. The word (wizr) "وِزْرُ" refers to the sin or burden associated with an action. (sadaqati) "صَدَقَةِ" means charity, which is an act of giving to those in need. (al-mannan) "المَنّانِ" is derived from the root word (manna) "مَنَّ", which means to bestow or grant. It signifies the one who gives charity with a sense of obligation or with strings attached. (yaghlibu) "يَغْلِبُ" means to surpass or outweigh. And (ajrahu) "أجْرَهُ" refers to the reward or recompense for an action.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 immense reward and blessings that come with selfless acts of charity. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that if we give charity with an ulterior motive or a sense of obligation, the sin associated with such an act outweighs its reward.

When we give charity, it should be done purely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to help those in need. It should not be accompanied by any expectations or conditions. The act of giving should come from a place of sincerity and selflessness. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan (76:9):

We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that when we give charity with strings attached, we are not truly fulfilling the purpose of this noble act. Instead of seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we are burdening ourselves with the sin of insincerity and selfishness. This sin overshadows any reward we may receive.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a reminder to examine our intentions and motivations behind our charitable actions. Are we giving to show off or to gain recognition from others? Are we giving out of a sense of duty or obligation rather than genuine compassion? Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to reflect on these questions and purify our intentions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of sincerity and selflessness in our acts of charity. It reminds us that the sin of giving with obligations or ulterior motives outweighs any reward we may receive. Let us strive to emulate the pure intentions of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all our actions. May Allah guide us to be sincere and selfless in our charitable deeds.