Hadith #10041

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the divine decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) regarding the distribution of wealth and provisions among the rich and the poor. The Imam states that Allah has ordained that the provisions of the poor are to be found in the wealth of the rich. This means that it is the responsibility of the wealthy individuals to provide for the needs of the less fortunate in society.

The word (aqwat) "أقْواتَ" in the Hadith refers to the provisions or sustenance that is necessary for survival. It encompasses all the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing, and shelter. The word (al-fuqara) "الفُقَراءِ" refers to the poor and needy individuals who lack the means to provide for themselves.

This concept of wealth distribution and the obligation of the rich to support the poor is not unique to this Hadith. In fact, it is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of caring for the less fortunate and providing for their needs.

One of the Quranic verses that supports this concept is found in Surah Al-Hashr (59:7), where Allah says,

And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse clearly indicates that the wealth given to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his family was meant to be distributed among specific categories of people, including the orphans and the stranded travelers. It also highlights the importance of preventing a perpetual distribution of wealth among the rich, indicating that wealth should be shared with those in need.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah states,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse emphasizes the need for sustenance and provisions from Allah's presence. It implies that the provisions of the poor are ultimately from Allah, and He has chosen to distribute them through the wealth of the rich.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that wealth is not solely for personal accumulation and enjoyment. It is a trust from Allah, and it carries with it a responsibility towards those who are less fortunate. The withholding of provisions from the poor is not only a violation of their rights but also a transgression against the divine decree.

The consequences of neglecting this responsibility are severe, as Allah will question the rich individuals about their actions. This serves as a warning and a reminder that we will be held accountable for how we utilize our wealth and whether we fulfill our duty towards the poor.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we can see the importance of social justice and the redistribution of wealth in Islam. It encourages a society where the gap between the rich and the poor is minimized, and everyone has access to the basic necessities of life. It promotes compassion, empathy, and a sense of communal responsibility.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith and the Quran by actively seeking ways to support the less fortunate in our communities. We should be mindful of our wealth and its potential to alleviate the suffering of others. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations as believers but also contribute to the establishment of a just and equitable society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in fulfilling our responsibilities towards the poor and grant us the ability to be a source of relief and support for those in need.