Hadith #1781

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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,

الجودُ رِياسَةٌ، المُلْكُ سِياسَةٌ

which translates to

Generosity is [true] leadership, sovereignty is [only] administration.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of generosity and its significance in true leadership.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (al-jood) "الجودُ" refers to generosity, which encompasses the act of giving and being selfless. It is the quality of being open-handed and benevolent towards others. (riyaasah) "رِياسَةٌ" means leadership, indicating the role of guiding and directing others towards a common goal.

On the other hand, (al-mulk) "المُلْكُ" refers to sovereignty or administration, which involves the exercise of authority and control over a domain. (siyaasah) "سِياسَةٌ" refers to the management and governance of affairs.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of generosity and its role in leadership in several verses. In Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), Allah says,

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the believers, who provide food to those in need solely for the sake of Allah, without expecting any reward or gratitude. Their act of generosity reflects their leadership in fulfilling the needs of others and exemplifies the true essence of leadership.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Balad (90:11-16), Allah describes the qualities of successful individuals, saying,

But he has not broken through the difficult pass. 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 significance of acts of kindness and generosity, such as freeing slaves and feeding the hungry, as a means of attaining success. Such acts demonstrate true leadership by addressing the needs of the vulnerable and oppressed.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights that true leadership is not merely about exercising authority and control, but rather about embodying generosity and selflessness. A leader who possesses the quality of generosity is able to inspire and motivate others, creating a sense of unity and compassion within the community.

Generosity in leadership has far-reaching consequences. When a leader is generous, they create an environment of trust and support, where individuals feel valued and cared for. This fosters a sense of loyalty and dedication among the followers, leading to a stronger and more cohesive community.

Moreover, the act of generosity itself is a reflection of the leader's character and values. It demonstrates their empathy, compassion, and concern for the well-being of others. This inspires others to emulate these qualities, creating a ripple effect of kindness and generosity within society.

Conversely, a leader who focuses solely on sovereignty and administration without embodying generosity may be seen as detached and self-serving. Such a leader may prioritize their own interests over the needs of the community, leading to a sense of disunity and dissatisfaction among the followers.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true leadership lies in the quality of generosity. By being generous, leaders can inspire and guide others towards a common goal, fostering unity and compassion within the community. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of generosity and its role in attaining success. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the qualities of generosity and true leadership in our lives.