Hadith #2354

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of prioritizing the well-being of others over the accumulation of wealth. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (istinaa) "اصْطِناعِ" in the Hadith refers to the act of doing good or benefiting others. It encompasses acts of kindness, charity, and selflessness. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that Muslims are in dire need of engaging in such acts, as they hold greater significance than the mere accumulation of material wealth.

This teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds resonance in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of helping others and performing acts of kindness. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah says,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse highlights that true righteousness lies in believing in Allah and His teachings, and then manifesting that belief through selfless acts of charity and kindness. It emphasizes the importance of giving wealth, even if one has an attachment to it, to those who are in need. This aligns perfectly with the message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, where he emphasizes the necessity of doing good to others.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), where Allah says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the exemplary behavior of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) towards the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah). Despite their own limited resources, the Ansar preferred the well-being of the Muhajirun over their own needs. This selflessness and generosity are in line with the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in the Hadith, where he emphasizes the importance of doing good to others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that their primary focus should be on benefiting others and doing good deeds, rather than solely pursuing material wealth. By prioritizing the well-being of others, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

This Hadith encourages us to reflect on our actions and motivations. It reminds us that true success lies in the selfless service of others, rather than the accumulation of wealth. When we prioritize the needs of others, we foster a sense of unity, compassion, and empathy within our communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the well-being of others over the accumulation of wealth. This teaching aligns with the Quranic emphasis on performing acts of kindness, charity, and selflessness. By embodying these values, we can contribute to the betterment of society and attain true success in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the ability to prioritize the well-being of others.