Hadith #8234

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

رُبَّ غِنىً أوْرَثَ الفَقْرَ الباقِيَ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Many an opulence leads to lasting poverty.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran. The word (ghinā) "غِنىً" refers to wealth, abundance, or opulence. It signifies material possessions and worldly riches. On the other hand, the word (faqra) "فَقْرَ" means poverty or destitution. It represents a state of lacking or being in need.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting a profound truth in this Hadith. He is reminding us that wealth and abundance can often lead to lasting poverty. This statement serves as a reminder that material possessions and worldly riches do not guarantee true prosperity or contentment. In fact, they can often lead to a state of spiritual and emotional poverty.

This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And We send not the messengers except as bringers of good tidings and warners. And those who disbelieve dispute by [using] falsehood to [attempt to] invalidate thereby the truth and have taken My verses, and that of which they are warned, in ridicule.

This verse reminds us that the true purpose of messengers and prophets is to bring good news and warn people about the consequences of their actions. However, those who reject the truth often resort to falsehood and ridicule the messages of the messengers. They prioritize their worldly desires and wealth over the guidance and warnings of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'arij (70:19-21), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Indeed, mankind was created anxious, when evil touches him, impatient, and when good touches him, withholding [of it]. Except the observers of prayer - those who are constant in their prayer.

These verses highlight the inherent nature of human beings to be anxious and impatient when faced with adversity. They also emphasize the tendency to withhold and hoard good when it comes their way. This hoarding mentality, driven by the desire for worldly possessions and wealth, can lead to a state of spiritual poverty and discontentment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their relationship with wealth and material possessions. It encourages us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and the pursuit of righteousness over the accumulation of worldly riches.

When we become too attached to material possessions, we may neglect our obligations towards Allah and our fellow human beings. We may become consumed by greed, selfishness, and a desire for more. This can lead to a state of spiritual poverty, where our hearts are devoid of true contentment and our actions are driven by materialistic desires.

On the other hand, when we detach ourselves from the allure of wealth and focus on fulfilling our duties towards Allah and serving others, we attain true prosperity. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of giving in charity, helping the needy, and seeking the pleasure of Allah above all else.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse emphasizes that true righteousness lies in believing in Allah and fulfilling our obligations towards Him and His creation. It highlights the importance of giving wealth, even if we love it dearly, to those in need. It also emphasizes the significance of establishing prayer, giving zakah, fulfilling promises, and being patient in times of hardship and poverty.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their relationship with wealth and material possessions. It urges us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and the pursuit of righteousness over the accumulation of worldly riches. By doing so, we can avoid the lasting poverty that often accompanies excessive opulence and find true prosperity in the pleasure of Allah.