Hadith #10108

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

لاتُضَيِّعَنَّ مالَكَ في غَيْرِ مَعْرُوف۔

This can be translated as:

Never waste your wealth in other than what is good [and right].

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of using our wealth wisely and for noble purposes.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word (la tudayyia'anna) "لاتُضَيِّعَنَّ" is derived from the root word (dayya'a) "ضَيَّعَ", which means to waste, squander, or lose something without any benefit. It implies the idea of using something in a manner that does not bring any good or positive outcome. The word (malak) "مالَكَ" refers to one's wealth or possessions. And the phrase (fi ghayr ma'ruf) "في غَيْرِ مَعْرُوف" means in other than what is good or right. It signifies using one's wealth in ways that are not beneficial or in accordance with the principles of goodness and righteousness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of spending wealth in a righteous manner. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 3:92)

You will never attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it

This verse highlights the concept of spending from what we love, indicating that our wealth should be used for noble causes and in ways that bring benefit to ourselves and others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 17:29)

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 miserliness and extravagance. It encourages moderation and balance in spending, cautioning against wasting wealth in a manner that leads to financial difficulties and societal disapproval.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of how they utilize their wealth. It urges us to reflect on the consequences of our financial decisions and to ensure that our expenditures align with what is good and beneficial. Wasting wealth on unnecessary luxuries, extravagant lifestyles, or harmful activities not only diminishes the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, but it also deprives us of the opportunity to make a positive impact on society.

By using our wealth in a responsible and righteous manner, we can contribute to the betterment of our communities and fulfill our obligations as Muslims. This includes providing for the needs of our families, supporting charitable causes, helping those in need, and investing in education and personal growth. When we align our financial decisions with the principles of goodness and righteousness, we not only benefit ourselves but also earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of how they utilize their wealth. It urges us to avoid wasting our resources in ways that do not bring any good or benefit. By aligning our financial decisions with the principles of goodness and righteousness, we can fulfill our duties as responsible Muslims and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah guide us to use our wealth wisely and for noble purposes.