Hadith #1450

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,

البَخيلُ مُتَحَجِّجٌ (مُتَبََجِّجٌ) بِالمعاذيرِ والتَّعالِيلِ۔

This Hadith highlights the behavior of a miser, who always finds excuses and pretexts to avoid spending his wealth or fulfilling his obligations towards others.

The word (al-bakhil) "البَخيلُ" refers to a person who is excessively stingy and miserly. Such an individual is known for his reluctance to spend money or give generously, even when it is within his means to do so. The word (mutahajjij) "مُتَحَجِّجٌ" or (mutabajjij) "مُتَبََجِّجٌ" describes the behavior of this miser, who constantly comes up with excuses and pretexts to justify his stinginess.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the behavior of those who withhold their wealth and are unwilling to spend it in the way of Allah and for the betterment of society. Allah says in verse 29:

(Quran 17:29)

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse emphasizes the importance of using one's wealth wisely and not being excessively attached to it. It warns against the miserly behavior that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes in this Hadith. By withholding their wealth, these individuals not only harm themselves but also fail to fulfill their obligations towards others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) mentions the qualities of the believers who spend their wealth in the way of Allah. Allah says in verse 261:

(Quran 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 spending wealth in the way of Allah. It encourages Muslims to be generous and selfless in their actions, rather than being miserly and withholding their wealth.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can see the negative consequences of miserliness. A miser not only deprives himself of the blessings and rewards that come with generosity, but he also fails to fulfill his responsibilities towards others. By constantly finding excuses and pretexts to avoid spending his wealth, he becomes disconnected from the needs and struggles of those around him.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of being generous and selfless. He encourages us to overcome the tendencies of stinginess and to fulfill our obligations towards others. By doing so, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to the well-being and prosperity of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to avoid the behavior of a miser who constantly finds excuses and pretexts to withhold his wealth. It urges us to be generous and selfless, fulfilling our obligations towards others and seeking the pleasure of Allah. May we all strive to embody the qualities of generosity and compassion, following the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family.