Hadith #8212

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

رُبَّ غَنِىّ أذَلُّ مِنْ نَقَد۔

This can be translated into English as,

At times a rich person may be lowlier than an ugly sheep.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (ghaniyy) "غَنِيّ" in this Hadith refers to a person who possesses wealth or material abundance. On the surface, wealth is often associated with power, respect, and influence in society. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true worth is not determined solely by material possessions.

The word (adhallu) "أَذَلُّ" in the Hadith means to be humiliated or degraded. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the fact that despite their wealth, some individuals may be in a state of degradation or humiliation. This degradation can be understood in various ways, such as moral degradation, spiritual degradation, or even social degradation.

To understand the wisdom behind this statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse emphasizes that true nobility and honor are not based on wealth, lineage, or worldly status, but rather on righteousness and piety. A person's worth is determined by their character, their adherence to moral values, and their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Therefore, a wealthy person who lacks these qualities may be considered lowlier in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) than a humble individual who possesses little material wealth.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:32-44), we find the story of the two gardens, which serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of worldly possessions. The owner of the two gardens, who was rich and prosperous, became arrogant and forgot to attribute his success to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). As a consequence, his gardens were destroyed, and he was left regretful and humiliated. This story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that material wealth does not guarantee honor or success in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also draws our attention to the importance of inner beauty and spiritual qualities. Just as an ugly sheep may be unattractive in appearance, a person who lacks spiritual virtues and moral values may be considered lowly in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the significance of inner beauty and righteousness. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking the Hereafter while not neglecting our responsibilities in this world. It encourages us to use the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the betterment of ourselves and society. True beauty lies in using our wealth, knowledge, and abilities to bring about positive change and to serve the greater good.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder that material wealth alone does not determine a person's worth or honor in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). True nobility lies in righteousness, piety, and the pursuit of inner beauty. We should strive to cultivate these qualities within ourselves and recognize that true success is not measured by worldly possessions, but by our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our commitment to living a life of moral excellence. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to understand the true value of wealth and honor.