Hadith #10756

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best-off people in the Hereafter are the poorest of them in this world.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom behind this statement and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The word (aghna) "أغْنَى" in Arabic means "the best-off" or "the wealthiest." It refers to those who possess abundant wealth, resources, and material possessions. On the other hand, (afqaruhum) "أفْقَرُهُمْ" means "the poorest" or "the most destitute." It signifies those who lack material wealth and live in poverty.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

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 - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and highlights the fleeting nature of material wealth.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Takathur (102:1-2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us,

Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you until you visit the graveyards.

These verses serve as a reminder that the pursuit of worldly wealth and possessions can distract us from the ultimate purpose of our existence and lead us away from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the paradoxical nature of wealth and poverty. In the context of the Hereafter, those who were considered "the poorest" in this world, but remained steadfast in their faith and devoted to their Creator, will be the "best-off" in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This is because their detachment from worldly possessions and their focus on spiritual growth and righteousness will earn them immense rewards in the Hereafter.

The Quran supports this concept in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes that true wealth lies in the accumulation of good deeds and the cultivation of a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly possessions. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world and focus on building a strong connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can attain true success and prosperity in the Hereafter.

This Hadith also highlights the importance of contentment and gratitude. Even if one finds themselves in a state of poverty or lacking material wealth, they should remain grateful to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the blessings they do have. The Quran reminds us in Surah Al-Nahl (16:18),

And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Gratitude and contentment are qualities that bring peace and tranquility to the heart, regardless of one's material circumstances.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true wealth and prosperity lie in the spiritual realm, not in the accumulation of worldly possessions. It urges us to prioritize our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and focus on cultivating good deeds, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of material wealth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true value of this world and the Hereafter, and guide us on the path of righteousness.