Hadith #2417

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

قَدْ يَهْنَأُ العَطاءُ لِلإنْجازِ۔

which translates to

Sometimes it is better to give in order to fulfill a promise [and not delay it].

In this Hadith, there are two important words that require our attention. The first word is (al-'ata') "العَطاءُ", which means "giving" or "bestowing." The second word is (al-'injaz) "الإنْجازِ", which can be translated as "fulfillment" or "accomplishment."

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East or the West, but righteousness is to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the angels, and the Book, and the Prophets, and to give wealth, however cherished it may be, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask, and for freeing slaves.

This verse emphasizes the importance of giving and generosity in Islam. It teaches us that true righteousness lies not in mere rituals or outward displays, but in sincere belief and actions that benefit others. Giving, whether it be wealth, time, or effort, is a means of fulfilling our obligations towards others and ultimately towards Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan, verse 8, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And they give food, in spite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.

This verse highlights the selflessness and sacrifice of those who give, even when they themselves may be in need. It reminds us that giving is not solely about fulfilling our promises, but also about expressing our love for Allah and seeking His pleasure.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. Sometimes, it may be tempting to delay giving or fulfilling our promises, especially when we are attached to what we possess. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true satisfaction and contentment lie in fulfilling our obligations promptly.

When we give without delay, we not only fulfill our promises but also demonstrate our commitment to righteousness and our love for Allah. By prioritizing the needs of others over our own desires, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family.

Delaying giving can have negative consequences. It may lead to broken promises, disappointment, and a loss of trust. On the other hand, fulfilling our promises promptly brings about a sense of accomplishment, strengthens relationships, and fosters a spirit of generosity within ourselves and our communities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, encourages us to prioritize the fulfillment of our promises and obligations. His words serve as a reminder that giving is not only an act of kindness but also a means of personal growth and spiritual elevation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of giving in order to fulfill our promises promptly. It reminds us that true righteousness lies in sincere belief and actions that benefit others. By prioritizing the needs of others over our own desires, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family. May Allah guide us to be generous and fulfill our promises promptly.