Hadith #32

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,

Be generous but not extravagant; be thrifty but not miserly.

This enlightening saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of striking a balance in our approach towards wealth and resources.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (سَمَحاً) "samahan" refers to being generous, open-handed, and liberal in giving. It encourages Muslims to be kind and generous towards others, especially in times of need. However, it also emphasizes the importance of not going to the extreme of extravagance.

The word (مُبَذِّراً) "mubaththiran" refers to being extravagant or wasteful. Islam teaches us to avoid wastefulness and extravagance in all aspects of life, including our wealth and resources. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 7:31)

And do not be extravagant. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.

The second part of the Hadith states,

Be thrifty but not miserly.

The word (مُقَدِّراً) "muqaddiran" refers to being thrifty or moderate in spending. It encourages Muslims to be mindful of their expenses and avoid unnecessary extravagance. However, it also warns against being miserly or stingy.

Islam promotes a balanced approach towards wealth and spending. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 17:26)

And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully.

This verse highlights the importance of fulfilling the rights of others, while also cautioning against wastefulness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) guidance in this Hadith encourages Muslims to find a middle path between extravagance and miserliness. It teaches us to be generous and kind towards others, without being wasteful or going to extremes. It reminds us to be mindful of our spending, without being stingy or withholding what is due to others.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to adopt a balanced and moderate approach towards wealth and resources. It encourages us to be mindful of our spending habits, to avoid extravagance and wastefulness, and to fulfill the rights of others. By following this guidance, we can create a society that is just, compassionate, and economically stable.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives. May He bless us with the ability to be generous without extravagance, thrifty without miserliness, and to strike a balance in all aspects of our lives.