Hadith #2507

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,

Yaseeru al-'ata'u khayrun mina al-ta'alluli bil-i'thār.

This Hadith can be translated as,

Giving little is better than offering excuses [for not giving].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The key words in this Hadith are (giving) "al-'ata'" and (offering excuses) "al-ta'allul".

The act of giving, or "al-'ata'", is a noble and virtuous deed highly emphasized in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly encourages Muslims to be generous and charitable in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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 immense reward and blessings that come from giving, even if it is a small amount.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 18, Allah 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 even a small act of giving will be multiplied and rewarded by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

On the other hand, "al-ta'allul", or offering excuses for not giving, implies a lack of generosity and a failure to fulfill one's duty towards others. Islam teaches us to be compassionate and caring towards those in need, and offering excuses instead of giving can be seen as a neglect of this responsibility. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against such behavior in Surah Al-Ma'un, verses 1-3, where He says,

Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan. And does not encourage the feeding of the poor.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of taking action and giving, even if it is a small amount. It reminds us that offering excuses is not a valid substitute for fulfilling our duty towards others. By giving, we not only benefit those in need but also purify our own souls and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be proactive in their generosity and to overcome any reluctance or hesitation they may have in giving. It encourages us to prioritize the act of giving over making excuses, as even a small act of charity can have a significant impact on the lives of others.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us the importance of giving, regardless of the amount. It reminds us that offering excuses is not a valid substitute for fulfilling our duty towards others. By being generous and compassionate, we not only benefit those in need but also strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and purify our own souls. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be generous and selfless in our actions and grant us the ability to give without hesitation or excuses.