Hadith #1446

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 righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

البَخيلُ مَذْمُومٌ، اَلْحَسُودُ مَغْمُومٌ۔

This Hadith highlights two negative traits: miserliness and envy. Let us delve into the meanings of these words and explore their implications in the light of the Quran.

The word (al-bakhil) "البَخيلُ" refers to a person who is miserly, stingy, or excessively reluctant to spend their wealth. This trait is condemned in Islam because it goes against the principles of generosity and charity that the Quran repeatedly emphasizes. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267),

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

The Quran encourages Muslims to spend from their wealth in the way of Allah, to help those in need, and to support charitable causes. The miser, on the other hand, hoards their wealth and deprives others of their rightful share. This behavior is not only selfish but also detrimental to the well-being of society as a whole.

The second negative trait mentioned in the Hadith is (al-hasood) "الحَسُودُ", which refers to a person who is envious or resentful of others' blessings, success, or good fortune. Envy is a destructive emotion that can lead to animosity, bitterness, and even harm towards others. Islam teaches us to be content with what Allah has bestowed upon us and to rejoice in the blessings of others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qalam (68:17-18),

Indeed, We have tried them as We tried the companions of the garden, when they swore to cut its fruit in the [early] morning, without making exception. So there came upon the garden an affliction from your Lord while they were asleep.

This verse reminds us of the story of the companions of the garden, who became envious of each other's wealth and blessings. Their envy led to their downfall and the destruction of their garden. Envy not only harms the individual who harbors it but also disrupts the harmony and unity within society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the consequences of these negative traits. The miser is (dispraised) "مَذْمُومٌ", meaning they are criticized and condemned for their behavior. The envious person is (disheartened) "مَغْمُومٌ", implying that their envy will ultimately bring them sorrow and disappointment.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand the importance of cultivating positive qualities such as generosity and contentment. By being generous with our wealth and blessings, we not only fulfill our duty towards others but also earn the pleasure of Allah. Similarly, by being content and avoiding envy, we can find peace and tranquility within ourselves and foster a harmonious society.

May Allah guide us to embody the teachings of Islam and protect us from the vices of miserliness and envy. May He grant us the strength to be generous and content, and may He bless us with His mercy and forgiveness.