Hadith #10056

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الْمَالُ مَادَّةُ الشَّهَوَاتِ" which translates to

Wealth is the object of desires.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the inherent nature of wealth and its relationship with human desires.

Let us first delve into the key words of this Hadith. The word (maaddatu) "مَادَّةُ" refers to the substance or material that something is made of. In this context, it signifies that wealth is the material or means through which desires are fulfilled. The word (ash-shahawat) "الشَّهَوَاتِ" refers to desires or cravings that arise within a person.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and the potential dangers associated with excessive attachment to wealth. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 14, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse highlights how people are naturally inclined towards desires and worldly possessions. The love for wealth, along with other desires, is ingrained in human nature. However, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that the true return and reward lies with Him, not in the accumulation of material possessions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse serves as a reminder that the pursuit of wealth and worldly desires is merely a temporary amusement. The analogy of rain and plant growth illustrates how the allure of wealth can quickly fade away, leaving behind nothing but debris. The true purpose of life lies in seeking forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for His approval, rather than being consumed by the delusions of worldly possessions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Wealth is the object of desires,

serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the attachment and obsession with material wealth. While wealth itself is not inherently evil, it is the love and excessive pursuit of it that can lead to spiritual and moral degradation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his statement highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective on wealth. Muslims should strive to use their wealth in a manner that aligns with the teachings of Islam, such as giving in charity, supporting the needy, and fulfilling their obligations towards their families and communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that wealth is a means to fulfill our desires in this worldly life. However, it is crucial to recognize the transient nature of material possessions and to prioritize seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over the accumulation of wealth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to use our wealth wisely and in accordance with His commands.