Hadith #1458

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of miserliness and its consequences. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (bakhīla) "بَخِلَ" in Arabic refers to being stingy or miserly. It is derived from the root word (bakhala) "بَخِلَ", which means to withhold or refrain from giving. The word (radhīlah) "رَذِيلَةِ" is derived from the root word (radhala) "رَذَلَ", which means meanness or despicability. Thus, the Hadith can be understood as condemning the act of being miserly with something that one does not even possess, which is an extreme form of meanness.

To further comprehend the gravity of this behavior, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the characteristics of stinginess and miserliness in several verses. In Surah Al-Isra (17:100), Allah says,

And say, 'My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking support and assistance from Allah, rather than relying solely on one's own possessions or wealth. Miserliness prevents one from seeking help and support, leading to a narrow-minded and self-centered approach to life.

Another verse that sheds light on the concept of miserliness is found in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), where 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 generosity and selflessness, as the believers in Al-Madinah preferred the needs of the emigrants over their own, despite their own hardships. This exemplifies the opposite of miserliness, where one is willing to give and share, even when they themselves are in need.

The consequences of miserliness, as mentioned in the Hadith, are severe. When one becomes miserly with something they do not even possess, it reflects a deep-rooted flaw in their character. Miserliness not only hinders one's ability to give and help others but also prevents them from experiencing the blessings and rewards that come with generosity. It leads to a narrow and self-centered mindset, causing one to miss out on the opportunities for personal growth and spiritual development that come with selflessness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, warns us against this destructive behavior. By highlighting the meanness and futility of being miserly with something one does not even possess, he encourages us to cultivate a generous and giving nature. The Imam's words serve as a reminder for us to reflect on our own actions and attitudes towards wealth and possessions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid miserliness and embrace generosity. It emphasizes the importance of seeking support from Allah, rather than relying solely on material possessions. By being generous and selfless, we not only benefit others but also experience personal growth and spiritual fulfillment. May Allah guide us to embody the qualities of generosity and selflessness and protect us from the trap of miserliness.