Hadith #1461

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the grave sin of stinginess towards those in need. Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and implications.

The key word in this Hadith is (bakhīla) "بَخِلَ", which means to be stingy or miserly. This word signifies a reluctance or unwillingness to give or share what one possesses, especially when it comes to helping those who are in need. The Hadith emphasizes that when a person withholds assistance from someone in need, Allah's wrath upon them increases.

To comprehend the gravity of this sin, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 the extremes of stinginess, where one either withholds help entirely or gives so sparingly that it becomes meaningless. Such behavior is condemned and leads to blame and impoverishment, both in this world and the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:276), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities. And Allah does not like every sinning disbeliever.

This verse highlights the contrast between stinginess and generosity. While stinginess leads to destruction and displeasure from Allah, generosity through acts of charity brings about blessings and increase in provision. It is a means of purifying one's wealth and earning the pleasure of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be compassionate and generous towards those in need. It encourages us to share our blessings and wealth with others, recognizing that our possessions are a trust from Allah and should be used to benefit society.

When we reflect on the consequences of stinginess, we realize that it not only harms the person in need but also has a detrimental effect on the individual who withholds assistance. Stinginess breeds selfishness and a lack of empathy, hindering personal growth and spiritual development. It distances us from the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of caring for others and fostering a sense of community.

Conversely, acts of generosity and kindness have numerous positive effects. They strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims, create a harmonious society, and bring about blessings and rewards from Allah. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound Hadith serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to be generous and compassionate towards those in need. It calls upon us to overcome our selfish tendencies and embrace the spirit of selflessness and charity. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also earn the pleasure and blessings of Allah. May we all strive to embody the teachings of Islam and emulate the generosity and compassion of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).