Hadith #1805

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The generosity of a man endears him to his rivals and his stinginess makes him hated by his [own] children.

This Hadith highlights the profound impact of generosity and stinginess on one's relationships and the consequences that follow.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "jood" refers to generosity, which encompasses acts of kindness, giving, and selflessness. On the other hand, "bukhl" refers to stinginess, which denotes a reluctance to give, a tight-fistedness, and a lack of generosity.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:263)

Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing.

This verse emphasizes the importance of kind words and forgiveness, which are closely related to generosity. It implies that generosity should be accompanied by good manners and a forgiving nature.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 17:26)

And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully.

This verse highlights the obligation to fulfill the rights of relatives, the poor, and travelers, while also cautioning against wastefulness. It encourages a balanced approach to generosity, where one gives to those in need without extravagance or squandering.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. When a person is generous, it not only benefits the recipient but also has a positive impact on the giver's relationships. Generosity fosters love, admiration, and respect from others, even from those who may be considered rivals or adversaries. This is because generosity reflects a noble character, a willingness to share blessings, and a concern for the well-being of others. It creates a bond of goodwill and fosters a sense of unity among people.

Conversely, stinginess has the opposite effect. When a person is stingy, it not only deprives others of their rightful share but also damages their relationships, especially with their own children. Stinginess is often associated with selfishness, greed, and a lack of concern for the needs of others. It creates a sense of resentment, disappointment, and even animosity towards the stingy individual. This is particularly evident within the family unit, where children may feel neglected, unloved, and deprived of their basic needs due to their parent's stinginess.

Imam Ali's wise utterance serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate the virtue of generosity in their lives. By being generous, we not only fulfill our duty towards others but also strengthen our relationships and create a harmonious society. Generosity is not limited to material possessions; it extends to acts of kindness, compassion, and support. It involves giving our time, attention, and resources to uplift others and alleviate their burdens.

Let us strive to emulate the generosity of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his immense knowledge and willingness to share it with others. His generosity extended beyond material possessions, as he generously imparted wisdom, guidance, and support to those around him. May we all be inspired by his example and strive to be generous in all aspects of our lives, so that we may be beloved to our rivals and cherished by our children.

And Allah knows best.