Hadith #1509

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who is miserly towards you with his cheerfulness will not be generous with his righteousness.

This Hadith highlights the importance of sincerity and consistency in one's actions and character. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (bakhl) "بَخِلَ" in Arabic refers to being miserly or stingy. It implies withholding or being reluctant to give or share. In this context, it refers to someone who is stingy with their cheerfulness, meaning they are unwilling to show joy or happiness towards others. On the other hand, (bishrihi) "بِشْرِهِ" refers to cheerfulness, happiness, or good news. It signifies the act of expressing joy and spreading positivity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of generosity and kindness towards others in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261), Allah says,

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 concept of giving generously and the abundant rewards that come with it. It teaches us that generosity is not limited to material possessions but also includes spreading joy and happiness. By being cheerful and kind towards others, we contribute to a positive and harmonious society.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the importance of righteousness and good deeds. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:277), Allah says,

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse reminds us that righteousness is an essential aspect of our faith. It encompasses acts of worship, such as prayer and giving zakah, as well as acts of kindness and compassion towards others. It is through righteousness that we attain closeness to Allah and earn His blessings.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that a person who is unwilling to share their cheerfulness and joy with others is unlikely to be generous in their righteousness. This means that if someone is stingy with their expressions of happiness and positivity, it is an indication that they may also be reluctant to perform acts of kindness and righteousness towards others.

For example, imagine a person who is always gloomy and rarely smiles or shows happiness towards others. Such an individual may find it difficult to extend acts of kindness, support, or generosity towards their fellow Muslims. Their lack of cheerfulness may reflect a deeper reluctance to engage in righteous actions that benefit others.

Conversely, a person who is generous with their cheerfulness, always spreading joy and positivity, is more likely to be generous in their acts of righteousness. Their genuine happiness and kindness towards others serve as a reflection of their inner character and their willingness to go the extra mile to help those in need.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of consistency and sincerity in our actions and character. It reminds us that true righteousness is not limited to performing acts of worship but also extends to our interactions with others. By being generous with our cheerfulness and spreading joy, we create an environment of positivity and kindness. This, in turn, motivates us to be generous in our acts of righteousness, benefiting both ourselves and the Muslim community as a whole. May Allah guide us to embody these qualities and grant us the ability to be generous in both our cheerfulness and righteousness.