Hadith #10038

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 righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The best wealth is that by which the rights [of others] are fulfilled.

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the rights of others in our pursuit of wealth and prosperity. Let us delve deeper into the meaning and implications of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "māl" in Arabic refers to wealth or possessions. It encompasses both material and immaterial assets that one may possess. The word "qudiyat" is derived from the root word "qada," which means to fulfill or discharge. It implies fulfilling the obligations and responsibilities associated with wealth. The term "al-huquq" refers to the rights of others, which include the rights of Allah and the rights of fellow human beings.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the rights of others in numerous verses. For example, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177),

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 highlights the importance of giving wealth to those in need and fulfilling the rights of the less fortunate. It emphasizes that true righteousness lies not in mere rituals, but in the sincere fulfillment of the rights of others.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness and generosity of the Ansar (the residents of Madinah) towards the Muhajirun (the emigrants from Makkah). Despite their own needs and limitations, the Ansar prioritized the well-being and rights of their fellow Muslims. This exemplifies the spirit of fulfilling the rights of others, even when it may require sacrificing one's own comfort.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that true wealth lies not in accumulating material possessions, but in utilizing our resources to fulfill the rights of others. It encourages Muslims to adopt a mindset of selflessness, compassion, and justice in their pursuit of wealth.

By fulfilling the rights of others, we contribute to the well-being and harmony of society. When we pay our debts, give charity, support our families, and treat others with fairness and kindness, we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and foster a sense of social justice. This leads to a more equitable and prosperous society for all.

Moreover, fulfilling the rights of others is not only a means of benefiting society but also a means of attaining spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we prioritize the rights of others over our own desires and interests, we demonstrate our obedience to Allah's commandments and His pleasure becomes our ultimate goal. This selflessness and devotion to fulfilling the rights of others is a reflection of the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his wisdom, knowledge, and justice.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true wealth lies in fulfilling the rights of others. It reminds us of the importance of selflessness, compassion, and justice in our pursuit of prosperity. By utilizing our wealth to fulfill the rights of Allah and our fellow human beings, we contribute to the betterment of society and attain spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to fulfill the rights of others and may He bless us with true wealth in this world and the Hereafter.