Hadith #5010

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 the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

لاسِيادَةَ لِمَنْ لاسَخاءَ لَهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of generosity and selflessness in attaining true eminence and leadership. Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (sakhā') "سَخَاءَ" in the Hadith refers to generosity, liberality, and open-handedness. It is the act of giving freely and willingly, without expecting anything in return. This virtue is highly praised in Islam and is considered a noble characteristic. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages Muslims to be generous and to spend in His cause, as mentioned in the Quran:

(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.

In this verse, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) urges Muslims to give generously and promises to multiply their rewards. This highlights the importance of generosity in attaining closeness to Allah and seeking His pleasure.

Furthermore, the Hadith states that there is no eminence or superiority for the one who lacks generosity. This means that true leadership and eminence cannot be achieved without possessing the quality of generosity. This concept is beautifully illustrated in the Quran through the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) as a role model for humanity. One of the qualities that made him an exemplary leader was his generosity. Allah says:

(Quran 2:124)

And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham was tried by his Lord with commands and he fulfilled them. [Allah] said, 'Indeed, I will make you a leader for the people.' [Abraham] said, 'And of my descendants?' [Allah] said, 'My covenant does not include the wrongdoers.'

Prophet Ibrahim's obedience and willingness to sacrifice his son demonstrated his selflessness and generosity. It was this quality that elevated him to the status of a leader and a role model for all Muslims.

The consequences of lacking generosity are evident in various aspects of life. A person who lacks generosity may be seen as selfish, stingy, and lacking in empathy. Such individuals may struggle to gain the respect and trust of others, as people naturally gravitate towards those who are generous and selfless. In the realm of leadership, a leader who lacks generosity may fail to inspire and motivate their followers, leading to a lack of unity and progress within the community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of embodying the virtue of generosity in our lives. By being generous, we not only fulfill a fundamental Islamic duty but also enhance our own character and leadership abilities. Generosity is not limited to material possessions; it extends to our time, knowledge, and compassion. By giving freely and selflessly, we can attain true eminence and become leaders who inspire and uplift others.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to be generous and selfless, and may He grant us the eminence and leadership that comes from embodying these virtues.