Hadith #5685

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِالصَّدَقَةِ تُفْسَخُ الآجالُ۔" This can be translated as,

Through charity, death gets deferred.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom behind this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (sadaqah) "صَدَقَة" refers to acts of charity, which involve giving to those in need without expecting anything in return. It encompasses various forms of giving, such as monetary donations, helping the poor and needy, and performing acts of kindness. The word (tufsaḵu) "تُفْسَخُ" means to delay, postpone, or defer. It implies that through the act of charity, the occurrence of death is delayed or prolonged.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the significance of charity and its impact on our lives. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:274),

Those who spend their wealth [in Allah's cause] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse highlights the immense rewards and blessings that await those who engage in acts of charity.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:18), Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.

This verse emphasizes that charity not only brings about immediate benefits but also multiplies the rewards for the giver in the Hereafter.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. Through charity, death gets deferred. This means that when we engage in acts of charity, we are granted a longer lifespan by the will of Allah. This is not to say that charity can completely prevent death, as death is an inevitable reality that every soul must face. However, through the act of giving, we are granted a prolongation of our time in this world.

The motivation behind this deferment of death lies in the mercy and compassion of Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). When we selflessly give to those in need, we are embodying the qualities of kindness, empathy, and generosity that Allah loves. As a result, Allah may choose to extend our lives as a reward for our virtuous actions. This extension allows us to continue performing good deeds, seeking forgiveness, and striving for righteousness.

The consequences of this deferment of death are twofold. Firstly, it grants us more opportunities to accumulate good deeds and seek closeness to Allah. It allows us to continue engaging in acts of charity, spreading goodness, and making a positive impact on the lives of others. Secondly, it serves as a reminder of the importance of charity and the profound impact it can have on our lives. It encourages us to be more generous and compassionate, knowing that our actions can not only benefit others but also prolong our own time in this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that through charity, death gets deferred. This statement highlights the immense value and significance of acts of charity in Islam. By engaging in selfless giving, we not only benefit others but also receive blessings and rewards from Allah. It serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness, empathy, and generosity in our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to be charitable and may our acts of giving prolong our time in this world, allowing us to continue seeking His pleasure.