Hadith #9242

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Mani iktasaba haraman ihtaqqaba athaman,

which translates to

One who earns by unlawful means accumulates sins.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the spiritual and moral consequences of engaging in forbidden actions in order to acquire wealth or material possessions.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith to gain a comprehensive understanding. The word "iktasaba" refers to the act of earning or acquiring something, while "haraman" signifies that which is forbidden or prohibited in Islam. The word "ihtaqqaba" means to accumulate or gather, and "athaman" refers to sins or transgressions.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of earning through lawful means and warns against the consequences of engaging in unlawful activities. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 188:

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 highlights the prohibition of unjustly consuming the wealth of others and the consequences of seeking assistance from corrupt authorities to engage in sinful acts. It serves as a reminder that engaging in unlawful means to acquire wealth not only harms individuals but also perpetuates a cycle of corruption and injustice within society.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 90, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of earning through unlawful means:

O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.

This verse highlights specific examples of forbidden actions that lead to defilement and impurity. It serves as a reminder that engaging in such activities not only brings spiritual harm but also prevents individuals from attaining true success and prosperity in this life and the hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the spiritual consequences of earning through unlawful means. When a person engages in forbidden actions to acquire wealth, they are not only committing a sin but also accumulating a burden of guilt and spiritual pollution. This accumulation of sins weighs heavily on the soul and distances the individual from the mercy and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, the Hadith serves as a reminder that wealth acquired through unlawful means is tainted and brings no true benefit or contentment. It may provide temporary material gains, but it ultimately leads to spiritual bankruptcy and a sense of emptiness. The consequences of such actions extend beyond this world and have an impact on one's eternal life.

As Muslims, we are encouraged to seek lawful means of sustenance and to be mindful of the ethical implications of our actions. Engaging in honest and lawful work not only ensures the purity of our earnings but also allows us to contribute positively to society and fulfill our responsibilities as Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual consequences of earning through unlawful means. It highlights the importance of seeking lawful sustenance and the detrimental effects of engaging in forbidden actions. By adhering to the teachings of Islam and striving to earn through ethical means, we can purify our souls, attain true success, and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to the path of righteousness and protect us from the temptations of unlawful earnings.