Hadith #10029

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of managing wealth and resources wisely. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, advises us to hold on to our wealth according to our needs and to forward the rest for the day when we may face financial difficulties.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the words used in this Hadith. The word (Hold on) "أمْسِكْ" implies the act of restraining or controlling something. In this context, it refers to the need for moderation and self-control in managing our wealth. The word (from) "مِنَ" signifies that we should only hold on to the amount of wealth that is necessary for our needs. This emphasizes the importance of avoiding extravagance and unnecessary accumulation of wealth.

The word (extent) "قَدْرِ" highlights the need for assessing and determining the appropriate amount of wealth to hold on to. It reminds us that our needs vary from person to person, and we should be mindful of our individual circumstances when managing our wealth. This aligns with the Quranic principle of moderation and balance in all aspects of life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then advises us to

forward the rest for the day of your indigence.

This phrase emphasizes the importance of being proactive and generous in helping those in need. It encourages us to share our surplus wealth with others, especially those who are less fortunate. This act of charity and generosity not only benefits those in need but also purifies our souls and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and compassion within the Muslim community.

The teachings of this Hadith find support in numerous Quranic verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of moderation, self-control, and generosity in managing wealth. In Surah Al-Isra (17:29), Allah says,

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse warns against both extreme miserliness and excessive spending, urging us to find a balance in our financial affairs.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:219), Allah says,

They ask you about wine and gambling. Say, 'In them is great sin and [yet, some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.'

This verse highlights the importance of evaluating the consequences of our actions and making wise choices in managing our resources. It reminds us that wealth can be a means of both good and evil, and it is our responsibility to use it wisely and in accordance with the teachings of Islam.

Reflecting on the teachings of this Hadith, we realize that it encourages us to adopt a balanced approach towards wealth and resources. It teaches us to prioritize our needs and avoid unnecessary accumulation of wealth, while also emphasizing the importance of sharing and helping those in need. By following these principles, we can create a just and compassionate society where the blessings of wealth are distributed equitably and used for the betterment of all.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to manage our wealth in accordance with His guidance and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May He bless us with the ability to be generous and compassionate towards those in need, and may He guide us to use our wealth for the betterment of ourselves and our communities.