Hadith #1454

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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,

The miser has no close friend.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims. To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The word "bakhil" in Arabic refers to a person who is miserly, stingy, or unwilling to spend for the sake of others. This trait is not only limited to material possessions but also encompasses a reluctance to share time, knowledge, and compassion. A "habib" is a close friend, someone who is dear and cherished.

To shed light on the significance of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtues of generosity, kindness, and selflessness. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261, Allah says,

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the immense reward and blessings that come with spending in the way of Allah. It illustrates the concept that generosity is not a loss but rather an investment that multiplies manifold. The miser, on the other hand, deprives themselves of the blessings and the companionship of Allah by hoarding their wealth.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah's sustenance and provisions. By being miserly, one displays a lack of trust in Allah's ability to provide for them and their loved ones. This lack of faith can lead to a sense of insecurity and isolation, as the miser becomes preoccupied with their own possessions and fails to establish meaningful relationships.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds a profound lesson for all Muslims. It serves as a reminder that true friendship and companionship are built on the foundation of generosity, kindness, and selflessness. A miser, by their very nature, is unable to cultivate such qualities and therefore cannot establish genuine connections with others.

The consequences of being a miser extend beyond the material realm. A person who is stingy with their wealth is likely to be stingy with their time, knowledge, and compassion as well. This can lead to a lack of empathy, a diminished sense of community, and a weakened spiritual connection. In contrast, a generous person not only benefits others but also experiences a sense of fulfillment, contentment, and spiritual growth.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of embodying the qualities of generosity and selflessness in our daily lives. We should strive to be open-hearted, willing to share our blessings, and extend a helping hand to those in need. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also create an environment of love, compassion, and unity within our communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to be generous and selfless, and may He bless us with true and sincere friendships. Ameen.