Hadith #1448

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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: "البَخيلُ مُتَعَجِّلُ الفَقْرِ۔" This Hadith can be translated into English as:

A miser hastens poverty.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. Firstly, "البَخيلُ" refers to a person who is stingy, miserly, or excessively frugal in spending their wealth. This individual is reluctant to part with their possessions, even when it is necessary or beneficial to do so. Secondly, "مُتَعَجِّلُ" means to hasten or accelerate. It implies that the miser's actions lead to a quickening or speeding up of a particular outcome. Lastly, "الفَقْرِ" refers to poverty, which is a state of lacking material resources or being in need.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity and warns against the dangers of stinginess. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 29, Allah says:

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse highlights the negative consequences of being excessively stingy, as it can lead to blame and financial difficulties.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 268, Allah states:

The devil promises you poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

This verse reminds us that Satan tempts us towards stinginess and warns us of the consequences it can bring. By being miserly, we fall into the trap of the devil and risk losing the blessings and bounties that Allah has promised us.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid the destructive path of stinginess. When a person hoards their wealth and refrains from spending it for the sake of Allah and for the benefit of others, they not only deprive themselves of the rewards and blessings of generosity, but they also invite poverty into their lives.

The consequences of being a miser are far-reaching. Financially, a miser may find themselves in a state of perpetual need, as they fail to invest in opportunities that could have brought them prosperity. Socially, their stinginess can lead to strained relationships and a lack of trust from others. Moreover, the miser's obsession with accumulating wealth can consume their thoughts and actions, preventing them from experiencing the true joy and contentment that comes from giving and helping others.

Conversely, the Quran encourages Muslims to be generous and spend in the way of Allah. 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 rewards and blessings that come from spending in the path of Allah. By being generous, Muslims not only benefit others but also increase their own wealth and blessings in this world and the Hereafter.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of striking a balance between spending and saving. Islam encourages us to be moderate in our approach to wealth, neither squandering it recklessly nor hoarding it excessively. We should be mindful of the needs of others and seize opportunities to help those in need, for it is through generosity that our wealth and blessings multiply.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

A miser hastens poverty

serves as a cautionary reminder for Muslims to avoid the destructive path of stinginess. By reflecting on the Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of generosity and warn against the dangers of hoarding wealth, we are reminded of the profound wisdom behind this Hadith. May Allah guide us to be generous and selfless, and protect us from the pitfalls of miserliness.