Hadith #8454

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the true essence of poverty and wealth in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that these states are not determined by material possessions or worldly riches, but rather by the presentation of one's deeds before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To delve deeper into the meaning of this thought-provoking saying, let us analyze the key words used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (faqr) "فَقْرُ" refers to poverty, while (ghina) "غِنى" denotes wealth or richness. These words are not limited to their literal meanings of lacking or possessing material resources, but encompass a broader spiritual and moral dimension.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the true measure of poverty and wealth is determined by the presentation of one's deeds before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This means that on the Day of Judgment, when all individuals will be held accountable for their actions, their true state of poverty or wealth will be revealed. It is the quality of their deeds, their sincerity, and their adherence to the teachings of Islam that will determine their true spiritual standing.

This concept is beautifully supported by several verses from the Quran. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 emphasizes the importance of seeking sustenance and strength from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than relying solely on material possessions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief.

This verse highlights the importance of using the blessings and wealth bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) to seek the rewards of the Hereafter, rather than indulging in worldly mischief.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual well-being over material possessions. It encourages us to focus on our actions and intentions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. True wealth lies in the richness of faith, piety, and good deeds, while poverty is the absence of these qualities, regardless of one's material status.

This Hadith also highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions. Material wealth may come and go, but the spiritual wealth gained through righteous actions and devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is everlasting. It reminds us to detach ourselves from the allure of materialism and instead invest in our spiritual growth and the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true poverty and wealth are not determined by material possessions, but by the presentation of our deeds before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It urges us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and the pursuit of righteous actions, as they are the true measures of our wealth in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we all strive to attain true wealth in the Hereafter by embodying the teachings of Islam and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives.