Hadith #9986

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

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

The poor person will never be saved from death because of his poverty.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this statement in light of the Quranic teachings.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. The word (death) "مَوْتِ" refers to the inevitable end that every human being will face. It is a transition from this worldly life to the eternal life in the Hereafter. The word (poor) "فَقيرٌ" signifies a state of financial need and lack of material wealth. And the word (because of his poverty) "إقْلالِهِ" implies that the poor person's poverty alone will not be a means of salvation from death.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Anbiya (21:35),

Every soul shall taste death.

This verse emphasizes the universal reality that death is an inevitable fate for every human being, regardless of their financial status. It serves as a reminder that wealth and poverty do not exempt anyone from the natural cycle of life and death.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children.

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and the distractions they can create. It reminds us that the pursuit of material wealth should not be our ultimate goal, as it does not guarantee salvation from death.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith serves as a profound reflection on the true essence of life and death. It reminds us that our focus should not solely be on accumulating wealth and worldly possessions. Rather, we should strive for spiritual growth, righteousness, and the pursuit of good deeds that will benefit us in the eternal life.

The Hadith does not imply that poverty is a negative trait or that the poor are inherently condemned. Rather, it emphasizes that relying solely on material wealth as a means of salvation is futile. The true measure of success lies in one's faith, character, and actions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his words in this Hadith serve as a reminder to Muslims to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly possessions. It encourages us to seek closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through acts of worship, kindness, and generosity, regardless of our financial circumstances.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that death is an inevitable reality for all, regardless of wealth or poverty. It encourages us to focus on our spiritual growth and the pursuit of good deeds, rather than being solely preoccupied with material wealth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true purpose of life and guide us on the path of righteousness.