Hadith #10067

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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) states,

ثَرْوَةُ الدُّنْيا فَقْرُ الآخِرَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

The affluence of this world is the poverty of the Hereafter.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the stark contrast between the temporary wealth and material possessions of this worldly life and the everlasting treasures and rewards of the Hereafter.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. (tharwah) "ثَرْوَةُ" refers to the abundance, prosperity, or affluence of this world. It encompasses the wealth, possessions, and material comforts that one may accumulate during their lifetime. On the other hand, (faqar) "فَقْرُ" signifies poverty or destitution, specifically in the context of the Hereafter. It represents the lack of spiritual provisions and rewards in the eternal life to come.

This Hadith resonates with several Quranic verses that emphasize the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46),

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.

This verse highlights that while wealth and children may bring temporary adornment to one's life, it is the everlasting good deeds that hold true value in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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 advises Muslims to strike a balance between seeking the rewards of the Hereafter and fulfilling their responsibilities in this world. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing the blessings bestowed by Allah for righteous actions and avoiding corruption.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that the pursuit of worldly wealth and material possessions should not overshadow the ultimate goal of attaining success in the Hereafter. While it is not inherently wrong to possess wealth and enjoy the blessings of this world, one must be cautious not to become attached to them or prioritize them above their spiritual growth and preparation for the eternal life to come.

The consequences of solely focusing on worldly affluence without considering the Hereafter are manifold. Firstly, it can lead to a neglect of one's spiritual well-being and the development of their relationship with Allah. The distractions and temptations of this world can divert one's attention from performing good deeds and seeking closeness to Allah. As a result, they may find themselves spiritually impoverished in the Hereafter, lacking the provisions necessary for eternal success.

Secondly, the pursuit of worldly wealth can often lead to unethical and unjust practices. Greed, dishonesty, and exploitation may become prevalent in the quest for accumulating more wealth and possessions. This not only harms individuals and societies in this world but also has severe consequences in the Hereafter. Allah warns against such behavior in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188),

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are encouraged to adopt a balanced approach towards wealth and possessions. They should strive to utilize their resources in ways that benefit both their worldly life and the Hereafter. This includes fulfilling their obligations towards their families, communities, and society at large while also engaging in acts of charity, kindness, and worship to earn the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder to Muslims about the fleeting nature of worldly affluence and the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter. It urges believers to strike a balance between their material pursuits and their spiritual growth, ensuring that they do not become spiritually impoverished in the eternal life to come. By seeking the pleasure of Allah through righteous actions and utilizing their blessings for the betterment of themselves and others, Muslims can attain true success in both this world and the Hereafter.