Hadith #8450

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Poverty with debt is [like] a red death.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word "poverty" in Arabic is (الفَقْرُ) "al-faqr". It refers to a state of extreme need and lack of material resources. Poverty can be both a physical and spiritual condition. It is a state where one lacks the means to fulfill their basic needs and is dependent on others for sustenance.

The word "debt" in Arabic is (الدَّيْنِ) "ad-dayn". It refers to an obligation or liability to repay something owed to someone else. Debt can arise from financial transactions, loans, or any form of borrowed resources.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares the combination of poverty and debt to a "red death." The phrase "red death" symbolizes a severe and dangerous situation. It implies that the burden of poverty coupled with debt can lead to dire consequences and immense hardship.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not place a burden on us that we cannot handle. However, when poverty and debt intertwine, the burden becomes overwhelming, and it can feel like a heavy weight on one's shoulders.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against excessive borrowing and accumulating debt. He says,

And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly possessions and cautions against becoming overly attached to material wealth. Accumulating debt to maintain a certain lifestyle can lead to financial instability and hardship.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), being the epitome of knowledge and wisdom, warns us about the dangers of poverty combined with debt. When one is already in a state of poverty, burdening oneself with debt can exacerbate the difficulties and lead to a cycle of perpetual struggle. The stress and anxiety caused by financial obligations can have severe consequences on one's mental and physical well-being.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious in their financial dealings and to live within their means. It encourages us to prioritize financial responsibility and avoid unnecessary debt. It also highlights the importance of seeking assistance and support when faced with financial challenges, as the burden of poverty and debt can be overwhelming to bear alone.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the potential dangers and hardships that arise from the combination of poverty and debt. It serves as a call to financial responsibility and encourages Muslims to seek a balanced and sustainable approach to their financial affairs. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to navigate through the challenges of life and protect us from the perils of poverty and debt.