Hadith #10047

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) emphasizes the importance of using our wealth wisely and for the benefit of those who follow the truth. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (your wealth) "مالَكَ". This refers to the material possessions and resources that an individual possesses. It includes money, property, and any other valuable assets. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that our wealth is not unlimited and cannot fulfill the needs of all people. It is a finite resource that needs to be managed wisely.

The phrase (cannot fulfill the needs of all the people) "لايُغْني جَميعَ النّاسِ" highlights the reality that no matter how wealthy a person may be, their wealth will always fall short in meeting the needs of every individual. This is a fundamental truth that we must acknowledge and internalize.

To support this understanding, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And We have made some of you [people] as trial for others - will you have patience? And ever is your Lord, Seeing.

This verse reminds us that the disparities in wealth and resources among people are a test from Allah. It is a test of patience, gratitude, and compassion. It is a test to see how we utilize our wealth for the betterment of society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then advises us to

reserve it specifically for the followers of the truth.

This means that we should prioritize using our wealth for the benefit of those who are on the path of truth and righteousness. This includes supporting the needy, helping the oppressed, and contributing to causes that promote justice and equality.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of spending in the way of Allah and for the betterment of society. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 using our wealth to benefit those in need. It emphasizes the importance of selflessness and giving, even if it means sacrificing our own desires and attachments to material possessions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that our wealth is a trust from Allah, and it is our responsibility to use it wisely and for the greater good. By reserving our wealth specifically for the followers of the truth, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for us to be mindful of how we utilize our wealth. It highlights the limitations of wealth and the importance of prioritizing its use for the benefit of those who follow the truth. By doing so, we fulfill our duty as Muslims and contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society. May Allah guide us in using our wealth wisely and bless us with the ability to support the followers of truth.