Hadith #2373

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May 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,

بَسْطُ اليَدِ بِالعَطاءِ يُجْزِلُ الأجْرَ، ويُضاعِفُ الجَزاءَ

which translates to

Stretching out the hand in giving increases reward and multiplies recompense.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance and benefits of generosity and charity in Islam.

The word (basṭ) "بَسْطُ" means "stretching out" or "extending," while (al-yad) "اليَدِ" refers to "the hand." The act of (basṭ al-yad) "بَسْطُ اليَدِ" is an expression that signifies giving or offering something to someone. The word (al-'atā') "العَطاءِ" means "giving" or "charity." It encompasses any act of kindness, whether it be giving money, food, clothing, or any other form of assistance to those in need.

The Hadith highlights the immense rewards and blessings that come with being generous and giving to others. It states that by stretching out our hands in giving, we not only receive a generous reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but that reward is also multiplied manifold.

This concept of generosity and its rewards is beautifully mentioned in the Quran as well. 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 ayat illustrates that just as a single seed can produce a bountiful harvest, the act of giving generously can lead to abundant rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The more we give, the more Allah multiplies our rewards, both in this world and in the hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:7), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors. For those who have believed among you and spent, there will be a great reward.

This ayat emphasizes the importance of belief in Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) and the act of spending in the way of Allah. It assures the believers that their generosity will be rewarded abundantly. The reward mentioned here is not limited to material possessions but also encompasses spiritual and emotional fulfillment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to be charitable and generous in their actions. It reminds us that by extending our hands to help others, we not only benefit them but also increase our own rewards and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It teaches us that true wealth lies in giving, and the more we give, the more we receive.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for Muslims to be compassionate and empathetic towards those in need. It reminds us of the importance of fulfilling our duty towards society and the less fortunate. By being generous, we contribute to the betterment of our communities and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of generosity and charity in Islam. It teaches us that by stretching out our hands in giving, we not only increase our rewards but also multiply our recompense from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This concept is beautifully supported by various Quranic verses that highlight the rewards and blessings of spending in the way of Allah. As Muslims, we should strive to embody the spirit of generosity and make it an integral part of our lives, seeking to benefit others and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).