Hadith #9240

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "بِئْسَ الْكَسْبُ الحَرامُ۔" which translates to

The worst kind of earning is the unlawful [earning].

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the severity and detrimental consequences of engaging in unlawful and forbidden means of acquiring wealth.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (kasb) "كَسْبُ" refers to earning or acquiring wealth through one's efforts and actions. It encompasses all forms of income, whether lawful or unlawful. (al-haram) "الحَرَامُ" refers to that which is forbidden or prohibited by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It includes actions, behaviors, and transactions that are explicitly declared as unlawful in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of earning through lawful means and the severe consequences of engaging in unlawful practices. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188),

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 unjustly consuming the wealth of others and engaging in corrupt practices. It warns against seeking assistance from the rulers through unlawful means, as it leads to the consumption of people's wealth in sin. The consequences of such actions are severe, both in this world and the hereafter.

Another verse that sheds light on the importance of lawful earning is found in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:90), where 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 categorically prohibits engaging in activities such as intoxication, gambling, and divination, as they are considered defilement from the work of Satan. It emphasizes the need to abstain from such practices in order to attain success in both this world and the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of adhering to the principles of halal (lawful) earning. Engaging in unlawful practices not only brings about negative consequences in this life but also jeopardizes one's spiritual well-being and ultimate salvation.

Unlawful earnings can take various forms, such as bribery, theft, fraud, usury, and engaging in prohibited business transactions. These actions not only harm individuals and society but also undermine the trust and integrity that are essential for a just and prosperous community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith urges Muslims to reflect on the consequences of their actions and to strive for lawful means of earning. It encourages individuals to seek knowledge, engage in honest labor, and conduct business transactions that are in accordance with the principles of justice and fairness.

By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Muslims can ensure that their earnings are pure and free from any taint of unlawfulness. This not only brings blessings and barakah to their wealth but also contributes to the well-being and prosperity of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims of the importance of earning through lawful means. It highlights the severe consequences of engaging in unlawful practices and emphasizes the need to seek knowledge, conduct business transactions with integrity, and uphold the principles of justice and fairness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to earn our livelihoods in a halal manner and protect us from the temptations of unlawful earnings.