Hadith #10095

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

That portion of your wealth which is used to safeguard your dignity has not gone [to waste].

This wise utterance emphasizes the importance of using one's wealth to protect and uphold one's honor and integrity. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (your wealth) "مالِكَ", which refers to the material possessions and resources that an individual possesses. It encompasses all forms of wealth, including money, property, and assets. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of utilizing this wealth in a manner that safeguards one's dignity and preserves their honor.

To understand the underlying message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of using wealth for noble purposes and in ways that benefit society. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., the Ansar] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the Ansar, who welcomed and supported the Muhajirun (emigrants) from Makkah. Despite their own limited resources, they prioritized the needs of others over their own. This exemplifies the concept of using wealth to safeguard dignity, as they utilized their possessions to uplift and support their fellow Muslims.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah states,

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 provisions from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), recognizing that true wealth and security come from Him. By relying on Allah and using our wealth in a manner that aligns with His guidance, we can safeguard our dignity and honor.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of how they utilize their wealth. It encourages us to prioritize the preservation of our dignity and integrity over materialistic pursuits. When we use our wealth to support noble causes, help those in need, and contribute to the betterment of society, we are not only safeguarding our own honor but also fulfilling our responsibilities as Muslims.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of intention and sincerity in our actions. When we spend our wealth to safeguard our dignity, it should not be driven by arrogance or a desire for recognition. Instead, it should be rooted in a genuine desire to please Allah and uphold His values. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah repeatedly emphasizes the importance of sincerity and intention in our deeds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the significance of utilizing our wealth to safeguard our dignity and honor. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran, we can ensure that our wealth is not wasted but rather used to benefit ourselves and society. May Allah guide us to use our wealth wisely and grant us the ability to uphold our dignity and honor.