Hadith #1445

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of miserliness and stinginess in relation to wealth. The word (abkhal) "أبْخَلُ" is used to describe the most miserly or stingy person. This person is characterized by their reluctance to spend their wealth on themselves and their unwillingness to give it to others, even after their passing. They hoard their wealth and leave it behind for their heirs, without utilizing it for their own benefit or the benefit of others.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity, charity, and spending in His book. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 3:92)

You will never attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.

This verse highlights the idea that true righteousness and piety cannot be achieved without spending from one's wealth. It encourages Muslims to be generous and selfless in their spending, not only for the benefit of others but also as a means of purifying their own souls. By being stingy and withholding their wealth, individuals deprive themselves of the opportunity to attain true righteousness and closeness to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:26-27)

And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful.

These verses emphasize the importance of fulfilling the rights of relatives, the poor, and those in need. It warns against wastefulness and extravagance in spending, as it is akin to the behavior of the devil. Miserliness, on the other hand, is also condemned, as it goes against the principles of generosity and fulfilling the rights of others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their relationship with wealth. It encourages individuals to strike a balance between spending on themselves and their loved ones, and fulfilling the rights of others. Miserliness not only deprives one of the opportunity to attain righteousness, but it also hinders the progress and well-being of society as a whole.

The consequences of miserliness can be seen in various aspects of life. On a personal level, it can lead to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction, as one hoards wealth without deriving any real benefit from it. It can also strain relationships with family and loved ones, as the refusal to spend on oneself or others can create resentment and distance.

On a societal level, miserliness can hinder economic growth and development. When individuals hoard their wealth and do not invest it in productive ventures or contribute to charitable causes, it limits the circulation of wealth and stifles opportunities for others. In contrast, a society that promotes generosity and spending for the greater good can thrive and prosper.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of utilizing their wealth wisely and for the benefit of themselves and others. They are encouraged to be generous, both in their spending and in fulfilling the rights of others. By doing so, they not only attain righteousness and closeness to Allah, but they also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. May Allah guide us all to be generous and selfless in our actions and grant us the ability to utilize our wealth in a manner that pleases Him.