Hadith #10103

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

Whoever withholds wealth from the one who praises him bequeaths it to one who does not praise him.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds deep wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

Let us first analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (man'a) "مَنْعَ" means to withhold or prevent. (al-maal) "الْمَالَ" refers to wealth or possessions. (man) "مَنْ" means whoever or whosoever. (yahmaduhu) "يَحْمَدُهُ" means the one who praises him. (warathahu) "وَرَّثَهُ" means to bequeath or pass down. (man) "مَنْ" is repeated, followed by (la yahmaduhu) "لايَحْمَدُهُ", which means the one who does not praise him.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:7):

Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors. For those who have believed among you and spent, there will be a great reward.

This verse highlights the importance of spending from one's wealth in the way of Allah. It encourages Muslims to use their wealth for the benefit of others, especially those who believe in Allah and His Messenger. By doing so, they become successors in spreading goodness and righteousness in society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further emphasizes this principle. It warns against withholding wealth from those who praise us. When someone praises us, it is a recognition of our good deeds and character. It is a form of appreciation and acknowledgment. By withholding wealth from such individuals, we are denying them their rightful share and depriving them of the blessings of our wealth.

On the other hand, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the one who withholds wealth from the one who praises him bequeaths it to one who does not praise him. This implies that if we do not use our wealth for the benefit of others, it may end up in the hands of those who do not appreciate or acknowledge our efforts. This serves as a reminder that our wealth is not truly ours, but a trust from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that we must utilize for the betterment of society.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further emphasizes the importance of spending in His cause in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261):

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 beautifully illustrates the concept of giving and spending in the way of Allah. Just as a single seed grows into a bountiful harvest, our acts of charity and generosity have the potential to multiply and bring immense blessings. By withholding wealth from those who praise us, we are depriving ourselves of the opportunity to reap the rewards and blessings that come with selfless giving.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be humble and selfless in their dealings with others, especially when it comes to wealth. It teaches us that true generosity lies in giving without expecting anything in return, and that withholding wealth from those who praise us is a sign of arrogance and ingratitude.

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. If we choose to withhold wealth from those who praise us, we may find that our wealth ends up in the hands of those who do not appreciate or acknowledge our efforts. This serves as a reminder that our wealth is not a measure of our worth or success, but rather a means to fulfill our responsibilities as trustees of Allah's blessings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries a wise message for all Muslims. It reminds us of the importance of using our wealth for the benefit of others, especially those who recognize and appreciate our efforts. It warns against the arrogance and ingratitude that comes with withholding wealth from those who praise us. May we all strive to be generous and humble in our dealings with others, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to use our wealth for the betterment of society.