Hadith #2692

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

المحتكر محروم من نعمته

which translates to

The hoarder is deprived of his blessing.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their attitude towards wealth and possessions.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words. (al-muhtakir) "المحتكر" refers to someone who hoards or accumulates wealth excessively, without sharing it with others or utilizing it for beneficial purposes. This person is driven by a selfish desire to amass wealth, often at the expense of others. The word (mahroom) "محروم" means deprived or denied. It implies that the hoarder will be deprived of the blessings and benefits that come with wealth.

This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of generosity, charity, and sharing one's blessings with others. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9),

And those who, before them, had homes and had adopted the faith, love those who emigrate to them, and find no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given and prefer them above themselves, even though they themselves have a need.

This verse highlights the virtue of selflessness and the willingness to share one's blessings with others. It encourages Muslims to overcome jealousy and greed, and to embrace a spirit of generosity and compassion. By doing so, they not only fulfill their duty towards their fellow human beings but also earn the pleasure and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 reminds Muslims to seek sustenance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to rely on Him for their provisions. It discourages the hoarding of wealth and encourages trust in Allah's (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) divine providence.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder that wealth and possessions are a trust from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and should be used for the betterment of society. Hoarding wealth not only deprives others of their rights but also leads to spiritual deprivation for the hoarder. It fosters a mindset of greed, selfishness, and attachment to material possessions, which hinders one's spiritual growth and disconnects them from the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, this Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt a balanced approach towards wealth. It does not condemn the accumulation of wealth itself, but rather warns against excessive hoarding and the neglect of one's duty to share and contribute to the welfare of others. Muslims are encouraged to use their wealth wisely, to fulfill their obligations towards their families, communities, and those in need. By doing so, they not only benefit others but also safeguard their own spiritual well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their attitude towards wealth and possessions. It highlights the importance of generosity, charity, and sharing one's blessings with others. By avoiding excessive hoarding and embracing a spirit of selflessness, Muslims can not only fulfill their duty towards their fellow human beings but also earn the pleasure and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).