Hadith #10033

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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:

أزْكَى المالِ مَا اكْتُسِبَ مِنْ حِلِّهِ۔

This can be translated as:

The purest wealth is that which has been earned by its lawful means.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of acquiring wealth through lawful means and highlights the purity and righteousness associated with such earnings.

Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith. The word (azka) "أزْكَى" refers to something that is pure, clean, and free from any impurities. It signifies the highest level of purity and righteousness. The word (al-mal) "المالِ" refers to wealth or possessions. It encompasses all forms of material possessions, including money, property, and assets. The word (iktusiba) "اكْتُسِبَ" means to acquire or earn. It implies the act of obtaining wealth through one's efforts and actions. Finally, the word (min hillihi) "مِنْ حِلِّهِ" means through its lawful means. It emphasizes the importance of earning wealth through permissible and ethical ways.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 188:

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse highlights the prohibition of unlawfully acquiring wealth and the consequences of such actions. It emphasizes the importance of earning wealth through lawful means and refraining from any form of injustice or corruption.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 90, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.

This verse highlights the prohibition of engaging in activities that are considered impure and unlawful, such as gambling and consuming intoxicants. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding such actions in order to maintain purity and righteousness in our wealth and actions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. It reminds us that true wealth is not merely measured by its quantity, but by the purity and righteousness of its acquisition. When we earn our wealth through lawful means, we ensure that it is free from any impurities or injustices. This not only brings blessings and barakah to our wealth but also purifies our souls and strengthens our connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Earning wealth through lawful means has numerous positive consequences. Firstly, it ensures that our wealth is free from any guilt or remorse. We can enjoy the fruits of our labor without any fear of punishment or retribution. Secondly, it promotes a sense of fairness and justice in society. When individuals earn their wealth ethically, it leads to a more equitable distribution of resources and reduces the gap between the rich and the poor. Thirdly, it instills a sense of responsibility and accountability in individuals. When we know that our wealth is earned through lawful means, we are more likely to utilize it for the betterment of ourselves, our families, and society as a whole.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of upholding ethical values in our financial dealings. It serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences and that we are accountable for the way we acquire and utilize our wealth. As Muslims, we should strive to earn our wealth through lawful means, avoiding any form of dishonesty, corruption, or exploitation. By doing so, we not only purify our wealth but also purify our souls and strengthen our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the purest wealth is that which has been earned through lawful means. It emphasizes the importance of upholding ethical values in our financial dealings and highlights the purity and righteousness associated with such earnings. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can ensure that our wealth is free from any impurities or injustices, and we can strive to be successful in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to earn our wealth through lawful means and bless us with pure and righteous sustenance.