Hadith #2372

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

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

بَذْلُ اليَدِ بِالعَطِيَّةِ أجْمَلُ مَنْقَبَة، وأفْضَلُ سَجِيَّة۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Extending the hand in giving is the most beautiful virtue and the most excellent trait.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith by analyzing its key words and their meanings. The word (badhl) "بَذْلُ" means "to extend" or "to give." (al-yad) "اليَدِ" refers to "the hand," symbolizing the act of giving. (bil-'atiyyah) "بِالعَطِيَّةِ" means "in giving" or "through charity." (ajmal) "أجْمَلُ" signifies "the most beautiful" or "the most excellent." Lastly, (manqabah) "مَنْقَبَة" refers to "virtue" or "goodness," while (sajiyyah) "سَجِيَّة" means "trait" or "characteristic."

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of giving and charity in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah says,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse highlights the significance of giving wealth to those in need as a manifestation of true righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah states,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah), even though they themselves were in need.

Based on these Quranic verses, we can understand that the act of giving and extending a helping hand is not only virtuous but also a means of attaining success and righteousness in the sight of Allah. It is a reflection of selflessness, compassion, and empathy towards others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the significance of giving in this Hadith. By stating that extending the hand in giving is the most beautiful virtue and the most excellent trait, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the moral and spiritual value of charity. This Hadith encourages Muslims to be generous and compassionate, to prioritize the needs of others over their own desires, and to actively seek opportunities to help those in need.

The consequences of embodying this virtue are profound. When Muslims embrace the act of giving, they not only alleviate the suffering of others but also purify their own souls. By extending a helping hand, they become a means of comfort and relief for those in distress. Moreover, the act of giving fosters a sense of unity and solidarity within the Muslim community, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of generosity and selflessness in their daily lives. They are encouraged to seek opportunities to give, whether it be through financial contributions, acts of service, or simply offering a helping hand to those in need. By embodying the spirit of this Hadith, Muslims can strive to emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and fulfill their duty as compassionate and caring individuals.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the beauty and excellence of extending the hand in giving. It calls upon Muslims to embrace the virtue of charity, following the examples set by the Quran and the noble teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt. By embodying this trait, Muslims can strive to become a source of goodness and compassion in the world, fulfilling their role as servants of Allah and caretakers of humanity. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to practice this virtue and may He accept our acts of charity.