Hadith #10075

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

خَيْرُ الأمْوالِ مَا أعانَ عَلَى المَكارِمِ۔

This can be translated as,

The best wealth is that which helps one perform noble deeds.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning and significance of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The word (amwal) "أمْوالِ" refers to wealth or possessions. It encompasses material possessions, such as money, property, and assets. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that not all wealth is equal; rather, the best wealth is one that aids in performing (al-makarim) "المَكارِمِ", which means noble or virtuous deeds.

To understand the importance of this concept, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 92, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.

This verse emphasizes the idea that true goodness and reward lie in giving from what we hold dear, whether it be wealth, time, or effort, for the sake of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.

This verse emphasizes the importance of using wealth for the betterment of society and fulfilling the needs of others, even if it means sacrificing our own desires.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the true value of wealth lies not in its accumulation, but in its ability to facilitate noble deeds. Wealth can be a means to support charitable causes, provide for the less fortunate, and contribute to the overall welfare of society. By utilizing our wealth in this manner, we not only benefit others but also purify our own souls and strengthen our relationship with Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that wealth should not be hoarded or squandered on frivolous pursuits. Instead, it should be used as a tool for positive change and to uplift those in need. This principle aligns with the broader teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of generosity, charity, and social responsibility.

When we reflect on the consequences of following Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice, we realize that it leads to a more just and compassionate society. By using our wealth to perform noble deeds, we contribute to the eradication of poverty, the provision of education, and the alleviation of suffering. This not only benefits individuals in need but also fosters a sense of unity and empathy within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that the true value of wealth lies in its ability to support noble deeds. By utilizing our wealth for the betterment of society and the fulfillment of the needs of others, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. Let us strive to be mindful of how we acquire, utilize, and distribute our wealth, ensuring that it serves as a means of righteousness and a source of blessings in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in using our wealth for noble purposes and grant us the ability to perform virtuous deeds.