Hadith #10616

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of spending one's wealth for the sake of Allah. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (tabzulu) "تَبْذُلُوا" which means "you spend," (amwalakum) "أمْوالَكُمْ" which means "your wealth," (janbi Allah) "جَنْبِ اللّهِ" which means

for the sake of Allah,

and (musri'u al-khalfa) "مُسْرِعُ الخَلَفَ" which means "quick in recompense."

The Quran emphasizes the virtue of spending in the way of Allah in numerous verses. 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 illustrates the immense reward and blessings that come from spending in the way of Allah. Just as a single seed can yield a bountiful harvest, the act of giving for the sake of Allah multiplies one's wealth and blessings manifold. Allah's generosity knows no bounds, and He rewards His servants abundantly for their acts of charity.

Another verse that supports the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hadid (57:11):

Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.

This verse highlights the concept of giving a loan to Allah by spending in His cause. When we give in the way of Allah, we are essentially lending to Him, and He promises to multiply our wealth many times over. Allah is the ultimate source of abundance, and He has the power to increase our provisions and blessings beyond measure.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. By encouraging us to spend our wealth for the sake of Allah, he reminds us that Allah is swift in recompense. This means that Allah does not delay in rewarding those who spend in His cause. He swiftly compensates them in this world and the Hereafter.

When we spend our wealth for the sake of Allah, we experience both immediate and long-term benefits. In this world, we may witness the blessings of increased provision, protection from calamities, and a sense of fulfillment and contentment. Moreover, our act of charity has a ripple effect, benefiting not only ourselves but also the recipients of our generosity.

In the Hereafter, Allah's swift recompense awaits us. Our acts of charity will be a means of purification, elevating our status and increasing our rewards in Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, (Muslim)

Charity does not decrease wealth, and Allah increases the honor of the one who forgives, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize spending in the way of Allah. It encourages us to be generous and selfless, knowing that Allah's recompense is swift and abundant. By giving for the sake of Allah, we not only fulfill our duty as believers but also reap the countless blessings and rewards that come with it.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to spend our wealth in His cause and bless us with His swift recompense. May we follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to be generous and selfless in all aspects of our lives. Ameen.