Hadith #10023

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the relationship between wealth and its possessor. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that wealth honors its possessor when it is spent generously, but it humiliates and abases him when he becomes miserly and withholds it.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (wealth) "مال" refers to material possessions, including money, property, and possessions of value. The word (honors) "يُكْرِمُ" means to elevate, respect, and dignify. The word (its possessor) "صاحِبَهُ" refers to the individual who owns and controls the wealth. The word (he spends it) "ما بَذَلَهُ" indicates the act of giving and using wealth for beneficial purposes. On the other hand, the word (abases him) "يُهينُهُ" means to degrade, humiliate, and lower in status. The word (he is miserly with it) "ما بَخِلَ بِهِ" signifies the act of withholding and being stingy with wealth.

To further comprehend the impactful message of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of spending wealth in the way of Allah and for the betterment of society. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 3:92)

You will never attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it

This verse highlights the significance of spending from one's wealth, even if it is dear to them, as an act of righteousness and a means of attaining closeness to Allah.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of being miserly and withholding wealth. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 2:264)

O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day

This verse cautions against the act of giving for show and not sincerely for the sake of Allah. It highlights the importance of having true faith and belief in Allah while spending wealth, as mere ostentation and hypocrisy can nullify the rewards of charity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to adopt a balanced approach towards wealth. When wealth is spent generously and selflessly, it brings honor and respect to its possessor. By using wealth to support charitable causes, help those in need, and contribute to the betterment of society, individuals elevate their status and earn the pleasure of Allah. This act of spending is not limited to monetary wealth alone but also encompasses sharing one's time, knowledge, and skills for the greater good.

Conversely, when an individual becomes miserly and withholds their wealth, it leads to their degradation and humiliation. This is because withholding wealth reflects a lack of generosity, compassion, and empathy towards others. It goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of sharing and caring for the less fortunate. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the love of wealth and the negative consequences it can have on one's character and spiritual well-being. In Surah Al-Takathur, Allah says, (Quran 102:1-8)

Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you until you visit the graveyards. No! You are going to know. Then no! You are going to know. No! If you only knew with knowledge of certainty... You will surely see the Hellfire. Then you will surely see it with the eye of certainty. Then you will surely be asked that Day about pleasure

This serves as a reminder that the pursuit of wealth and worldly possessions should not divert us from our ultimate purpose in life, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah and prepare for the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the relationship between wealth and its possessor. It emphasizes the importance of spending wealth generously and selflessly, as it brings honor and respect to the individual. Conversely, being miserly and withholding wealth leads to degradation and humiliation. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of spending wealth in the way of Allah and for the betterment of society. Muslims are reminded to strike a balance between acquiring and utilizing wealth, ensuring that it is used for righteous purposes and to earn the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us all to be generous and selfless in our dealings with wealth and enable us to use it as a means of attaining closeness to Him.