Hadith #2425

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لِيَكُنْ سَجِيَّتُكَ السَّخاءُ والإحْسانُ۔

This can be translated as,

Let your traits be generosity and benevolence.

The word (sajiyyah) "سَجِيَّةُ" in this Hadith refers to one's traits or characteristics. It encompasses the qualities that define a person's behavior and actions. It is a call to cultivate and embody the virtues of generosity and benevolence in our daily lives.

Generosity, or (sakhā') "السَّخَاءُ", is the act of giving freely and abundantly, without expecting anything in return. It is a selfless act that stems from a genuine desire to help others and alleviate their hardships. The generous person is willing to share their wealth, time, and resources with those in need, seeking to bring happiness and relief to others.

Benevolence, or (ihsān) "الإحْسَانُ", is the act of doing good and showing kindness to others. It involves going beyond the basic requirements and expectations, and instead, striving for excellence in our interactions with others. The benevolent person treats others with compassion, empathy, and fairness, seeking to uplift and support them in their journey.

These qualities of generosity and benevolence are not only emphasized in this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), but they are also reinforced by numerous verses in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages Muslims to embody these virtues and rewards them for their efforts.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:245)

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 generosity, urging believers to give to Allah's cause and promising them multiplied rewards in return.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Balad, Allah says, (Quran 90:12-14)

And what can make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave or feeding on a day of severe hunger an orphan of near relationship or a needy person in misery.

These verses emphasize the importance of benevolence and caring for those who are less fortunate, whether it is by freeing slaves, feeding the hungry, or supporting the needy.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, encourages Muslims to adopt these qualities of generosity and benevolence. By embodying these traits, we not only fulfill our duty towards our fellow human beings but also strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

When we practice generosity and benevolence, we create a positive impact on society. Our actions inspire others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of goodness and compassion. Additionally, these traits have the power to transform our own hearts and souls. They purify our intentions, increase our gratitude, and bring us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to cultivate the traits of generosity and benevolence. These qualities are not only praised in the Hadith but are also supported by various Quranic verses. By embodying these virtues, we contribute to the betterment of society, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and elevate our own spiritual journey. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these traits and become a source of goodness for others.