Hadith #1455

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لَمْ يُوفَّقْ مَنْ بَخِلَ عَلى نَفْسِهِ بِخَيْرِهِ وخَلَّفَ مالَهُ لِغَيْرِهِ۔

This can be translated as,

He who is stingy to himself with his wealth is not successful and leaves behind his possessions for others.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran. The key word in this Hadith is (bakhil) "بَخِلَ", which means stingy or miserly. It refers to a person who is reluctant to spend their wealth for the benefit of themselves or others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of such behavior, stating that such individuals will not achieve success and will ultimately leave their wealth behind for 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 and spending in His book. 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 illustrates the concept of spending in the way of Allah, which encompasses acts of charity, helping the needy, and supporting righteous causes. Allah compares the reward for such spending to a seed that multiplies and brings forth abundant fruits. This serves as a motivation for Muslims to be generous with their wealth and to understand that true success lies in using their resources for the betterment of themselves and others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah warns against the behavior of those who hoard their wealth and do not spend it for the right purposes. He says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah and relying on Him for provision. It reminds Muslims that true success lies in seeking Allah's blessings and using their wealth in a manner that pleases Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect on their attitude towards wealth and possessions. It encourages us to be generous and selfless, recognizing that true success lies in using our resources for the benefit of ourselves and others. By being stingy and leaving our wealth behind for others, we deprive ourselves of the blessings and rewards that come with spending in the way of Allah.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of selflessness and the negative consequences of selfishness. When we are stingy and unwilling to spend for the benefit of others, we miss out on the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us. Moreover, we fail to fulfill our duty as Muslims to contribute to the betterment of society and to alleviate the suffering of those in need.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be generous with their wealth and possessions. It emphasizes the importance of using our resources for the betterment of ourselves and others, and warns against the negative consequences of stinginess and selfishness. By reflecting on this Hadith and implementing its teachings in our lives, we can strive towards true success and fulfillment as Muslims. May Allah guide us all to be generous and selfless in our actions and grant us success in this life and the hereafter.