Hadith #10074

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

In this hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best wealth is that which enthrals a freeman.

Let us delve into the meaning of this impactful Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word "khayr" in Arabic means "best" or "excellent." It signifies something that is superior in quality and holds great value. The term "amwal" refers to wealth or possessions. The word "istaraqa" can be translated as "to enthrall" or "to captivate." And finally, "hur" means "a freeman" or "a free person."

To understand the deeper meaning of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

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.

This verse reminds us that worldly possessions and material wealth are merely temporary and fleeting. They can distract us from the true purpose of our existence and lead us astray.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also warns us,

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 emphasizes that the love and attachment to worldly possessions can blind us from the ultimate reality and the true source of happiness and contentment.

Therefore, when Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the best wealth is that which enthrals a freeman, he is highlighting the importance of spiritual and moral values over material possessions. True wealth lies in the richness of one's character, in the strength of one's faith, and in the purity of one's intentions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that the true value of wealth is not measured by its quantity, but by its impact on our souls and the lives of others. A person who possesses wealth that captivates and liberates their inner self from the shackles of materialism and greed is truly rich in the sight of Allah.

This hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and moral development over the accumulation of worldly possessions. It encourages us to seek wealth that brings us closer to Allah and benefits humanity. True wealth is not found in hoarding material possessions, but in utilizing our resources to serve the greater good and uplift those in need.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this principle throughout his life. His knowledge, wisdom, and selflessness made him one of the greatest scholars and leaders in Islamic history. He used his wealth and influence to support the poor, establish justice, and promote the teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the best wealth is not measured by material possessions, but by the impact it has on our spiritual growth and the well-being of others. It reminds us to prioritize our relationship with Allah and to use our resources to serve humanity. May we strive to attain the true wealth that enthrals our souls and earns the pleasure of Allah.