Hadith #5221

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مِنَ الشَّقاءِ اِحْتِقابُ الحَرامِ۔

This can be translated as,

Collecting the [wealth that is] forbidden is part of wretchedness.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (shaqaa) "شَّقاءِ" refers to wretchedness, misery, or unhappiness. It signifies a state of being deprived of blessings and goodness. The term (ihtiqab) "اِحْتِقابُ" means to collect or gather. And (al-haram) "الحَرامِ" refers to that which is forbidden or prohibited by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of avoiding the forbidden and unlawful in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:29)

O you who have believed, do not consume one another's wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent

This verse highlights the prohibition of unjustly acquiring wealth from others, which aligns with the message of Imam Ali's Hadith.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against consuming the wealth of others unlawfully, saying, (5:2)

O you who have believed, do not consume one another's wealth unjustly but only [lawful] business by mutual consent

This verse emphasizes the importance of engaging in lawful transactions and avoiding any form of exploitation or taking what is not rightfully ours.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims about the consequences of collecting wealth that is forbidden. It highlights the spiritual and moral implications of engaging in unlawful activities to acquire wealth. Such actions lead to a state of wretchedness and misery, as they distance individuals from the blessings and mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

When one indulges in forbidden wealth, they compromise their integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness. This not only harms their relationship with Allah, but also tarnishes their reputation and damages their character in the eyes of others. The pursuit of forbidden wealth may seem enticing in the short term, but it ultimately leads to a life filled with regret, guilt, and spiritual emptiness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful saying serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to prioritize ethical conduct and righteousness in their financial dealings. It encourages us to seek lawful means of sustenance and to avoid any form of exploitation, fraud, or dishonesty. By adhering to the principles of halal (lawful) earnings, we not only protect our own spiritual well-being but also contribute to the overall welfare of society.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us of the importance of avoiding forbidden wealth and engaging in lawful means of sustenance. It serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of indulging in unlawful activities and the wretchedness that accompanies such actions. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive for a life of righteousness, contentment, and spiritual fulfillment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the allure of forbidden wealth.