Hadith #10054

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

الرِّجالُ تُفيدُ المالَ، المالُ ما أفادَ الرِّجالَ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

People serve wealth, wealth does not serve people.

To understand the essence of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words used. The word (ar-rijāl) "الرِّجالُ" refers to individuals or people, while (al-māl) "المالُ" refers to wealth or material possessions. The word (tufīd) "تُفيدُ" means to serve or benefit. And the word (afād) "أفادَ" means to be served or benefited from.

This Hadith highlights a fundamental truth about human nature and our relationship with wealth. It reminds us that people often become servants of wealth, dedicating their time, energy, and resources to acquire and accumulate material possessions. However, wealth itself does not serve people. It does not bring true happiness, contentment, or fulfillment. Instead, it is the individuals who should utilize wealth in a way that serves their needs and the needs of society.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the message of this Hadith. For example, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), 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 emphasizes the importance of seeking sustenance and provisions from Allah, rather than solely relying on material wealth. It reminds us that true sustenance comes from Allah, and it is through His blessings that we are able to acquire and utilize wealth.

Another relevant verse is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief.

This verse reminds us that while wealth can be a means to attain success in this world, our ultimate goal should be to seek the rewards of the Hereafter. We are encouraged to use our wealth for good, to help others, and to avoid causing harm or corruption.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to maintain a balanced perspective towards wealth. It cautions us against becoming slaves to material possessions and encourages us to utilize wealth in a way that benefits ourselves and others. When we prioritize the well-being of others and use our resources to alleviate the suffering of those in need, we are fulfilling our duty as responsible Muslims.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, and this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of human nature and the potential pitfalls of wealth. He reminds us that true success lies not in the accumulation of wealth, but in how we utilize it to serve others and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we all strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and use our wealth in a way that brings benefit and blessings to ourselves and our communities.