Hadith #10082

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) emphasizes the importance of spending wealth in the way of Allah and fulfilling the obligation of zakāt. Let us examine the key words in this hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (sharr) "شَرُّ" means "worst" or "most evil." It signifies the negative consequences and spiritual harm that result from the misuse or hoarding of wealth. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the detrimental nature of wealth that is not spent in the path of Allah.

The word (maal) "مال" refers to wealth or possessions. It encompasses all forms of material resources that Allah has blessed us with. This includes money, property, and other assets that we possess.

The phrase (maal lam yunfaq fi sabeelillah minhu)

مَالَمْ يُنْفَقْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ مِنْهُ

translates to

from which nothing is spent in the way of Allah.

This emphasizes the importance of utilizing our wealth for righteous purposes, such as helping the poor, supporting charitable causes, and contributing to the betterment of society. When wealth is not spent in the way of Allah, it becomes a source of spiritual harm and a means of distancing oneself from the path of righteousness.

Furthermore, the hadith highlights the significance of fulfilling the obligation of zakāt. Zakāt is a mandatory act of worship in Islam, which involves giving a portion of one's wealth to those in need. It is a means of purifying our wealth and purifying our souls. Neglecting to pay zakāt is a grave sin and leads to the corruption of one's wealth.

To understand the importance of spending in the way of Allah and fulfilling zakāt, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the necessity of spending in the way of Allah and not being miserly with our wealth. It warns against hoarding wealth and encourages us to use it for righteous purposes. By doing so, we not only benefit others but also protect ourselves from the destructive consequences of greed and selfishness.

Another verse that supports the message of the hadith is found in Surah Al-Tawbah (9:103), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah's blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

This verse highlights the transformative power of giving in the way of Allah. It purifies our wealth and increases it in blessings. By fulfilling our obligation of zakāt and spending in the path of Allah, we not only benefit others but also experience an increase in our own provisions and blessings from Allah.

The consequences of neglecting to spend in the way of Allah and failing to fulfill zakāt are severe. It leads to the accumulation of wealth that is devoid of blessings and brings about spiritual harm. Hoarding wealth and neglecting the rights of the less fortunate creates a society plagued by inequality, poverty, and injustice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of their wealth and how they utilize it. It emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah and fulfilling the obligation of zakāt. By doing so, we not only benefit others but also purify our wealth, increase our provisions, and safeguard ourselves from the negative consequences of greed and selfishness. May Allah guide us to be generous and righteous in our use of wealth and enable us to fulfill our obligations towards the less fortunate.