Hadith #7

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Charity is an effective cure, and the actions of people in their present life will be before their eyes in the next life.

This enlightening Hadith highlights the significance of charity and its impact on both the physical and spiritual well-being of individuals.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The Arabic word (sadaqah) "صَدَقَةُ" refers to voluntary acts of charity, which can take various forms such as giving money, food, or helping others in any way possible. The word (dawaa) "دَوَاءٌ" means a cure or remedy, indicating that charity has the power to heal and alleviate the sufferings of those in need.

To comprehend the essence of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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 emphasizes the immense rewards and blessings that come with giving charity. Just as a single seed yields a bountiful harvest, the act of giving generously multiplies the blessings manifold. It not only benefits the recipient but also brings prosperity and abundance to the giver.

Furthermore, the Hadith states that

the actions of people in their present life will be before their eyes in the next life.

This implies that our deeds, including acts of charity, will be presented to us on the Day of Judgment. The consequences of our actions, whether good or bad, will be vividly displayed before us, serving as a reminder of our choices and their impact.

The Quran reinforces this concept in Surah Al-Infitar, verses 6-7:

O mankind, indeed you are laboring toward your Lord with [great] exertion and will meet it. Then as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will be judged with an easy account.

These verses highlight the accountability we will face for our actions in the Hereafter. The record of our deeds will be presented to us, and those who have engaged in acts of charity will find ease and mercy in their reckoning. Their charitable actions will serve as a means of intercession and a source of comfort on the Day of Judgment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the transformative power of charity. It not only benefits the recipients by providing them with much-needed support but also has a profound impact on the spiritual well-being of the giver. By engaging in acts of charity, individuals cultivate compassion, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards their fellow human beings.

Moreover, the act of giving charity purifies one's wealth and purges the heart from the love of material possessions. It fosters a sense of detachment from worldly possessions and strengthens one's trust in Allah's provision. This aligns with the Quranic teachings in Surah Al-Hashr, verse 9:

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the profound impact of charity on both the giver and the recipient. It serves as a remedy for the ailments of the heart and soul while also bringing about tangible benefits in this world and the Hereafter. By engaging in acts of charity, Muslims can strive to emulate the noble qualities of generosity, compassion, and selflessness demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us all with the ability to give generously and make our actions a source of healing and reward in this life and the Hereafter.