Hadith #1466

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes two important principles: avoiding stinginess and refraining from extravagance. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of these words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (bukhl) "بَخْل" in Arabic refers to stinginess or miserliness. It is the act of withholding or being reluctant to give, especially when it comes to wealth or resources. On the other hand, (tusrif) "تُسْرِف" means extravagance or wastefulness. It implies spending in excess or going beyond the limits of what is necessary or appropriate.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of moderation and balance in our actions and behaviors. For instance, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah says,

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

This verse highlights the disapproval of Allah towards those who indulge in extravagance. It reminds us that while we are allowed to enjoy the blessings of this world, we should not go to extremes and waste resources that could be better utilized for the benefit of others. Extravagance not only leads to the depletion of resources but also promotes a culture of greed and selfishness.

Similarly, the Quran also condemns stinginess and encourages generosity. In Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah says,

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse warns against the extreme behavior of being excessively tightfisted or miserly. It reminds us that withholding our wealth and refusing to give to those in need can lead to a negative reputation and financial difficulties.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a practical guide for Muslims, reminding us to strike a balance between stinginess and extravagance. By avoiding stinginess, we cultivate a spirit of generosity and compassion towards others. We recognize that wealth and resources are blessings from Allah and should be shared with those in need. This not only benefits the recipients but also purifies our own souls and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community.

On the other hand, refraining from extravagance helps us maintain a sense of moderation and self-control. It prevents us from falling into the trap of materialism and consumerism, which can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life - to worship and please Allah. By being mindful of our spending habits and avoiding unnecessary waste, we can contribute to the preservation of the environment and the sustainable use of resources.

Furthermore, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith also highlights the importance of intention and mindfulness in our actions. It encourages us to reflect on our choices and consider the consequences of our behavior. When we give or spend, we should do so with sincerity and wisdom, ensuring that our actions align with the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to avoid stinginess and extravagance. It calls us to embody the principles of generosity, moderation, and mindfulness in our daily lives. By adhering to these principles, we can strive towards a balanced and righteous way of living, pleasing Allah and benefiting ourselves and society as a whole. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of the Ahl al-Bayt.