Hadith #8445

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtue of poverty for a believer. It states that poverty is beneficial for the believer as it protects him from the negative influences of his surroundings. It shields him from the jealousy of his neighbors, the flattery of his brothers, and the domination of the ruler.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the important words in this Hadith. "Al-Faqr" refers to poverty or destitution. It is a state of lacking material wealth or resources. "Salah" means goodness, righteousness, or benefit. "Al-Mu'min" refers to the believer, someone who has faith in Allah and follows His guidance. "Murrih" means comfort or relief. "Hasad" refers to jealousy or envy. "Jiran" means neighbors. "Tamalluq" means flattery or sycophancy. "Ikhwan" refers to brothers or companions. "Tasallut" means domination or control. "Sultan" refers to a ruler or authority.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that the material wealth and possessions of this world are temporary and fleeting. They can distract us from the true purpose of our existence, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah and prepare for the Hereafter. Poverty, on the other hand, can serve as a reminder of our dependence on Allah and our need for His mercy and guidance.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:32-34),

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability. Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

These verses emphasize that the true adornment and value lie in the enduring good deeds and righteousness that we cultivate in our hearts. Material wealth and possessions may come and go, but the spiritual wealth we accumulate through acts of worship and obedience to Allah will benefit us in this life and the Hereafter.

In light of these Quranic teachings, we can understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's statement. Poverty can be a means of purification for the believer. It helps him detach from the materialistic world and focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. It shields him from the jealousy of his neighbors, as they may not covet his possessions. It protects him from the flattery of his brothers, as they may not seek his favor for worldly gains. And it frees him from the domination of the ruler, as he is not entangled in the web of power and influence.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his deep knowledge and understanding of the Quran. His words in this Hadith reflect his profound insight into the teachings of Islam. As Muslims, we should reflect on the virtue of poverty and the lessons it can teach us. We should strive to detach ourselves from the love of material possessions and focus on the true wealth of faith and good deeds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that poverty can be beneficial for the believer. It protects him from negative influences and helps him focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. By reflecting on the Quranic verses mentioned, we can deepen our understanding of the wisdom behind this teaching. May Allah guide us to embrace the virtue of poverty and seek His pleasure above all worldly possessions.