Hadith #7273

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and the righteous successors.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لافَقْرَ لِعاقِل۔" This enlightening saying can be translated as,

There is no poverty for the intelligent one.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "لافَقْرَ" refers to poverty or destitution, while "عاقِل" refers to an intelligent or wise person. The Hadith emphasizes that an intelligent person will never experience poverty. To understand the deeper meaning of this statement, we can turn to the Quran for guidance.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of knowledge and wisdom in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 58:11)

Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.

This verse highlights the elevated status of those who possess knowledge and wisdom.

Furthermore, in Surah Az-Zumar, Allah states, (Quran 39:9)

Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?'

This verse highlights the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. It emphasizes the superiority of knowledge and the benefits it brings.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) aligns with the Quranic teachings by emphasizing the connection between intelligence and prosperity. It implies that an intelligent person, who possesses knowledge and wisdom, will never be impoverished. This does not solely refer to material wealth but encompasses all aspects of life, including spiritual, emotional, and intellectual well-being.

An intelligent person is one who seeks knowledge, understands the world around them, and makes informed decisions. Such individuals are more likely to succeed in their endeavors, make wise investments, and utilize their resources effectively. Their intelligence allows them to navigate challenges and find opportunities for growth and prosperity.

Moreover, an intelligent person is aware of the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and following His commands. They understand that true prosperity lies in aligning their actions with the teachings of Islam. This aligns with the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah says, (Quran 65:2-3)

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect.

The consequences of this Hadith are profound. It encourages Muslims to prioritize knowledge and wisdom in their lives. It reminds us that seeking knowledge is not only a means to attain worldly success but also a path to spiritual enlightenment and prosperity. By continuously seeking knowledge and applying it in our lives, we can strive to become intelligent individuals who are not bound by poverty, in all its forms.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge in Islam. It encourages us to be lifelong learners, continuously seeking knowledge and wisdom from authentic sources. It also reminds us that true intelligence lies in understanding and implementing the teachings of Islam in our daily lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that an intelligent person will never experience poverty. This statement aligns with the Quranic emphasis on the importance of knowledge and wisdom. It encourages Muslims to prioritize education, seek knowledge, and apply it in their lives. By doing so, we can strive for prosperity in all aspects of our existence, both in this world and the hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom to seek knowledge and the prosperity that comes with it.