Hadith #10084

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

صاحِبُ المالِ مَتْعُوبٌ، والغالِبُ بِالشَّرِّ مَغْلُوبٌ۔

This Hadith highlights two contrasting situations: the owner of wealth facing difficulty and the one who gains victory through evil means actually being defeated.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "صاحِبُ المالِ" refers to the owner of wealth, someone who possesses material riches. The word "مَتْعُوبٌ" can be translated as "faces difficulty" or "experiences hardship." It implies that despite having wealth, the owner is not necessarily free from troubles and challenges. On the other hand, the word "الغالِبُ" means

the one who gains victory

or "prevails." However, this victory is achieved through "بِالشَّرِّ," which means "evil means" or "wrongful actions." The word "مَغْلُوبٌ" is translated as "defeated" or "overcome." It signifies that despite appearing victorious, the person who attains success through immoral methods is ultimately defeated in the grand scheme of things.

To comprehend the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the transient nature of worldly wealth and the importance of righteous actions. In Surah Al-Imran (3:14), Allah says,

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse reminds us that material possessions are merely temporary enjoyments of this worldly life. They do not guarantee true success or happiness.

Furthermore, the Quran warns against the pursuit of wealth at the expense of moral values. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188), Allah says,

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse cautions against acquiring wealth through unjust means or corruption. It highlights the importance of upholding justice and integrity in financial matters.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that the pursuit of wealth should not be the sole focus of our lives. It is a test from Allah, and it is how we utilize our wealth and the means by which we acquire it that truly matters. The owner of wealth may face difficulties and challenges despite their riches, as wealth alone does not guarantee a life free from hardships. On the other hand, those who resort to evil means to achieve success may appear victorious in the short term, but they are ultimately defeated and face the consequences of their actions.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to prioritize righteousness and ethical conduct in all aspects of life, including financial matters. It reminds us that true success lies in aligning our actions with the teachings of Islam and seeking Allah's pleasure. We should strive to acquire wealth through lawful means, while also being mindful of the impact our wealth has on others. By doing so, we can attain a sense of contentment and inner peace that surpasses material possessions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize righteousness and ethical conduct in their pursuit of wealth. It highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of acquiring wealth through lawful means. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of integrity and justice in financial matters. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.