Hadith #8302

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,

لَيْسَ مَعَ الفُجُورِ غَناءٌ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no affluence with immorality.

In this thought-provoking Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the incompatibility between wealth and immoral behavior.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word (fujur) "فُجُورِ" refers to immoral or sinful behavior. It encompasses actions that go against the teachings of Islam, such as lying, cheating, backbiting, and engaging in unlawful activities. The word (ghina) "غَناءٌ" refers to affluence, wealth, or material abundance.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of righteousness and moral conduct in relation to wealth and worldly possessions. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 267, Allah says,

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse highlights the importance of spending from lawful and pure earnings, as well as avoiding any form of corruption or dishonesty in our financial dealings. It reminds us that true affluence lies not in accumulating wealth through immoral means, but rather in using our resources for the betterment of ourselves and society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, Allah narrates the story of Qarun, a man who was blessed with immense wealth but used it arrogantly and unjustly. Allah says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse serves as a warning against the temptation of worldly wealth and the dangers of using it for corrupt purposes. It reminds us that true prosperity lies in seeking the rewards of the Hereafter while fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. It also emphasizes the importance of using our wealth for acts of kindness, charity, and justice, rather than engaging in immoral behavior.

In light of these Quranic verses, we can understand the profound wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. He reminds us that true affluence and prosperity cannot be attained through immoral actions or unethical practices. Wealth obtained through dishonesty, exploitation, or injustice may provide temporary material gains, but it ultimately leads to spiritual poverty and loss in the sight of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled wisdom and knowledge, encourages us to prioritize moral conduct and righteousness over material wealth. He teaches us that true affluence lies in living a life of integrity, honesty, and piety, even if it means sacrificing worldly gains. By adhering to the principles of Islam and avoiding immoral behavior, we can attain true prosperity in this world and the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize moral conduct and righteousness over material wealth. It highlights the incompatibility between affluence and immorality, emphasizing the importance of using our resources in a lawful and ethical manner. By following the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can strive for true prosperity and success in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all to the path of righteousness and bless us with true affluence.