Hadith #8633

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,

There is no poverty for anyone after the Qur’an nor is there any affluence for anyone before it.

This impactful saying highlights the immense value and significance of the Qur'an in the life of a Muslim.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (فاقَة) "poverty" refers to a state of lacking or being in need, whether it is material, spiritual, or intellectual. On the other hand, (غِنىً۔) "affluence" signifies a state of abundance, prosperity, and self-sufficiency.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is emphasizing that after the revelation of the Qur'an, no one can be considered truly impoverished. This is because the Qur'an is a comprehensive guide that provides solutions to all aspects of life, including material, spiritual, and intellectual needs. It offers guidance on matters of faith, morality, ethics, social justice, economics, and much more. The Qur'an equips Muslims with the tools to overcome any form of poverty and leads them towards a life of contentment and fulfillment.

To support this exegesis, we find numerous verses in the Qur'an that emphasize the transformative power of the Qur'an in alleviating poverty and providing sustenance. For instance, in Surah Al-Anfal (8:28), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And know that your properties and your children are but a trial and that Allah has with Him a great reward.

This verse reminds Muslims that material possessions are merely a test from Allah, and true wealth lies in the reward that awaits them in the Hereafter. By internalizing this message, Muslims can overcome the anxiety and desperation often associated with poverty.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 highlights the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah and relying on Him for provision. By placing our trust in Allah and seeking His guidance through the Qur'an, we can find contentment and prosperity in both this world and the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also mentions that there is no affluence for anyone before the Qur'an. This implies that true prosperity and success cannot be attained without the guidance of the Qur'an. Prior to the revelation of the Qur'an, people were in a state of ignorance, unaware of the true purpose of life and the path to success. The Qur'an, with its divine wisdom and guidance, provides the blueprint for a prosperous and fulfilling life.

To support this aspect of the Hadith, we can refer to Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking the Hereafter while not neglecting the worldly responsibilities. The Qur'an guides Muslims to strike a balance between material success and spiritual growth, ensuring that affluence is attained through righteous means and not at the expense of others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the profound impact of the Qur'an on the lives of Muslims. It emphasizes that the Qur'an is a comprehensive guide that provides solutions to all forms of poverty and leads to true affluence. By adhering to the teachings of the Qur'an and seeking guidance from it, Muslims can overcome poverty, both material and spiritual, and attain prosperity in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to understand and implement the teachings of the Qur'an in our lives.