Hadith #4810

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the importance of giving wealth where it rightfully belongs. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (giving) "إعْطاءَ", (this wealth) "هذا المالِ", (where it has no right to be given) "في غَيرِ حَقِّهِ", (wastefulness) "تَبْذيرٌ", and (extravagance) "إسْرافٌ".

The word "إعْطاءَ" refers to the act of giving or bestowing something upon someone. It implies an act of generosity and charity. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) cautions us that this act of giving should be done with wisdom and discernment, ensuring that it is in accordance with the rightful recipients and their needs.

The phrase "هذا المالِ" specifically refers to wealth or possessions. It emphasizes the importance of being mindful of how we distribute our wealth, recognizing that it is a trust from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and should be used in a manner that aligns with His guidance.

The phrase "في غَيرِ حَقِّهِ" means

where it has no right to be given.

It highlights the significance of giving wealth to those who are deserving and in need, rather than squandering it on those who do not require it or have no legitimate claim to it. This emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in our charitable acts.

The words "تَبْذيرٌ" and "إسْرافٌ" both convey the idea of wastefulness and extravagance. They serve as a warning against recklessly squandering our wealth on unnecessary or frivolous expenditures. This Hadith reminds us to be mindful of our spending habits and to use our resources wisely, ensuring that they are directed towards beneficial and meaningful causes.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of giving in a manner that is just and beneficial. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:267)

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy

This verse highlights the importance of giving from what is good and lawful, rather than from what is defective or unlawful. It emphasizes the need for discernment and wisdom in our charitable acts, ensuring that we give in a manner that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to those in need.

Another verse that aligns with the teachings of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra, where Allah says, (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 cautions against both stinginess and extravagance, reminding us to strike a balance in our spending habits and to avoid wastefulness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is guiding us to be mindful of our charitable acts and to ensure that our wealth is used in a manner that is just, beneficial, and in accordance with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we avoid wastefulness, extravagance, and the misuse of our resources.

In conclusion, this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be conscious of how they distribute their wealth. It emphasizes the importance of giving in a manner that is just, beneficial, and in accordance with the teachings of Islam. By doing so, we avoid wastefulness and extravagance, and instead, contribute to the betterment of society and the fulfillment of our responsibilities as stewards of Allah's blessings. May Allah guide us all to be mindful in our acts of giving and to use our wealth in a manner that pleases Him.