Hadith #127

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اسْتَنْزِلُوا الرِّزْقَ بِالصَّدَقَةِ۔" This can be translated as,

Seek livelihood by giving alms.

In this thought-provoking Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of charity in acquiring sustenance and provisions from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, which provides us with guidance on the concept of charity and its relationship with sustenance. 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 beautifully illustrates the correlation between giving in charity and the increase in sustenance. Just as a single seed yields multiple grains, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) multiplies the reward for those who generously spend their wealth in His cause. By giving alms, we not only fulfill our duty towards the less fortunate but also open the doors for increased blessings and provisions from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

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

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 verse highlights the connection between faith, charity, and sustenance. By believing in Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) and generously spending from the provisions bestowed upon us, we not only fulfill our role as successors on this earth but also earn a great reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through the act of giving alms that we demonstrate our trust in Allah's promise to provide for us and seek His blessings in our livelihood.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of charity in seeking sustenance. By giving in the way of Allah, we not only fulfill our obligation towards the less fortunate but also invite the mercy and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) into our lives. This act of selflessness and generosity not only benefits those in need but also purifies our hearts and strengthens our relationship with our Creator.

Moreover, this Hadith encourages us to adopt a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. Often, people worry about their financial well-being and become hesitant to give in charity, fearing that it will diminish their wealth. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that seeking livelihood is not solely dependent on our efforts but is ultimately in the hands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By giving alms, we demonstrate our trust in Allah's promise to provide for us and acknowledge that our sustenance comes from Him alone.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of seeking livelihood through the act of giving alms. By examining the Quranic verses that support this concept, we understand that charity is not only a means of fulfilling our duty towards the less fortunate but also a way to invite the blessings and provisions of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) into our lives. It is through the act of selflessness and generosity that we strengthen our relationship with our Creator and demonstrate our trust in His promise to provide for us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to give generously and seek His blessings in our livelihood.