Hadith #10617

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "إذا رُزِقْتَ فَأنْفِقْ", which translates to

When you are blessed with sustenance then give charity.

This short but impactful Hadith holds great significance in the teachings of Islam and serves as a reminder for Muslims to be generous and charitable when they are bestowed with blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith by examining its key words. The word (ruziqu) "رُزِقْتَ" is derived from the root word (razqa) "رَزَقَ", which refers to sustenance or provisions that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His creation. This encompasses not only material wealth but also encompasses knowledge, skills, health, and other blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grants to individuals.

The word (anfiq) "أَنْفِقْ" is derived from the root word (nafaqa) "نَفَقَ", which means to spend or give in charity. It signifies the act of using one's wealth or resources for the benefit of others, particularly those in need. Charity in Islam is not limited to monetary donations but also includes acts of kindness, helping others, and sharing one's knowledge and skills.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:3),

Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending from the provisions that Allah has bestowed upon us, indicating that charity is an essential aspect of faith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:7), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors. For those who have believed among you and spent, there will be a great reward.

This verse highlights the connection between belief, spending in the way of Allah, and the promise of a great reward for those who fulfill this duty.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be grateful for the blessings they receive and to share those blessings with others. It encourages us to be mindful of the needs of the less fortunate and to actively seek opportunities to give in charity.

By giving charity, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also purify our wealth and hearts. It helps us develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards our fellow human beings. Moreover, charity acts as a means of seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and attaining His pleasure.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified the teachings of this Hadith throughout his life. He was known for his generosity and would often give away his wealth to those in need, regardless of their background or faith. His actions serve as an inspiration for Muslims to follow in his footsteps and emulate his noble qualities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of giving in charity when we are blessed with sustenance. It encourages us to be grateful for the blessings we receive and to share those blessings with others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also purify our wealth and hearts, seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to give generously and accept our charitable deeds.