Hadith #10061

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الْمَالُ دَاعِيَةُ التَّعَبِ وَمَطِيَّةُ النَّصَبِ

which translates to

Wealth is the inviter of difficulty and the riding mount of hardship.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the potential challenges and trials that can arise from the pursuit and possession of wealth.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (da'iyyatu) "دَاعِيَةُ" refers to something that invites or calls for, while (ta'ab) "التَّعَبِ" signifies difficulty or hardship. Similarly, (matiyyatu) "مَطِيَّةُ" refers to a riding mount or a means of transportation, and (nasab) "النَّصَبِ" denotes hardship or adversity.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the potential challenges that wealth can bring in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286:

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that wealth can become a burden if we are not equipped with the necessary wisdom and strength to handle it. The pursuit of wealth can lead to excessive materialism, greed, and a neglect of spiritual and moral values.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, verse 80, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And We send not the messengers except as bringers of good tidings and warners. So whoever believes and reforms - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

This verse emphasizes the importance of using wealth for righteous purposes and engaging in acts of charity and reform. It reminds us that wealth should not be hoarded or misused, but rather utilized to benefit others and bring about positive change in society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to be cautious and mindful of the potential pitfalls associated with wealth. It is not the wealth itself that is inherently problematic, but rather the attachment and misuse of it that can lead to difficulties and hardships. The pursuit of wealth should be balanced with the pursuit of spiritual growth, moral values, and the well-being of others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, which is evident in his beautiful saying. He understood that wealth, if not managed properly, can become a source of distraction and a means of straying away from the path of righteousness. He emphasized the importance of using wealth responsibly, for the betterment of oneself and society.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded to evaluate our relationship with wealth and ensure that it does not become a source of difficulty or hardship for us. We should strive to strike a balance between our material needs and our spiritual growth, using our wealth as a means to support ourselves and others in a righteous manner. By doing so, we can avoid the potential pitfalls associated with wealth and lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and guidance to use our wealth in a manner that brings us closer to Him and benefits humanity. Ameen.