Hadith #10704

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the condition of a person who faces the worst state. The key words in this Hadith are (the person in the worst condition) "أسْوَءُ النّاسِ حالاً" and (whose material wealth is cut off but his habit remains)

انْقَطَعَتْ مادَّتُهُ وبَقِيَتْ عادَتُهُ

The word (condition) "حالاً" signifies the overall state or situation of a person. It encompasses various aspects of one's life, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is a comprehensive term that reflects the entirety of a person's circumstances.

The phrase (the worst condition) "أسْوَءُ النّاسِ" emphasizes the severity and gravity of the situation being described. It indicates a state of extreme hardship, difficulty, and adversity. It is important to note that this Hadith does not solely focus on financial poverty, but rather on the impact of poverty on a person's habits and behavior.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then describes the specific scenario of a person whose (material wealth) "مادَّتُهُ" is cut off. This refers to the loss or deprivation of financial resources, possessions, or material assets. It could be due to various reasons such as bankruptcy, economic downturn, or personal misfortune.

However, what makes this person's condition even worse is that despite the loss of material wealth, their (habit) "عادَتُهُ" of spending remains unchanged. This implies that despite their financial difficulties, they continue to spend money recklessly or extravagantly, without considering their limited resources. This habit of excessive spending exacerbates their already dire situation and perpetuates their financial hardship.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Isra (17:80):

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse reminds us of the importance of moderation and balance in our financial affairs. It teaches us to seek sustenance from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to be content with what He provides. It encourages us to adopt a responsible and prudent approach towards our material resources, ensuring that we do not fall into the trap of excessive spending or wasteful habits.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us:

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse cautions against both extremes when it comes to spending. We should neither be miserly and withhold our wealth nor be extravagant and spend beyond our means. Instead, we should strike a balance and spend wisely, ensuring that we fulfill our obligations and provide for our needs without falling into financial hardship.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it highlights the significance of financial responsibility and prudence. It reminds us that wealth is a trust from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and should be managed wisely. We should avoid wastefulness, extravagance, and reckless spending, especially during times of financial difficulty.

Secondly, this Hadith emphasizes the importance of adapting our habits and behavior according to our circumstances. When faced with financial challenges, it is crucial to adjust our spending habits and prioritize our needs over our wants. This requires self-discipline, self-control, and a conscious effort to live within our means.

Lastly, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the transient nature of material wealth. It teaches us that true contentment and happiness do not solely depend on our financial status. Rather, our spiritual well-being, character, and relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are far more valuable and enduring.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the grave consequences of maintaining reckless spending habits despite facing financial difficulties. It reminds us to be responsible and prudent in managing our material resources, and to seek balance and moderation in our financial affairs. By adhering to these principles, we can protect ourselves from falling into the worst condition and strive towards a state of contentment and spiritual well-being. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.