Hadith #10049

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May 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, "الْمَالُ عَارِيَةٌ" which translates to

Wealth is a borrowed loan [and will not remain with you forever].

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of wealth and serves as a reminder to Muslims about the temporary nature of worldly possessions.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 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 ayah emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the temporary pleasure they bring. Just as a plant grows after rain but eventually withers away, wealth also comes and goes. It is merely a means of temporary enjoyment in this worldly life, but it does not hold any lasting value.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah At-Takathur, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 102:1-8)

Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you until you visit the graveyards. No! You are going to know. Then, no! You are going to know. No! If you only knew with knowledge of certainty... You will surely see the Hellfire. Then you will surely see it with the eye of certainty. Then you will surely be asked that Day about pleasure.

This ayah highlights how the pursuit of wealth and worldly possessions can distract us from the ultimate reality of death and the Hereafter. It warns us that our attachment to material possessions will ultimately be of no benefit when we face the consequences of our actions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that wealth is not something we truly own, but rather it is a temporary loan given to us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Just as a loan must be repaid, our wealth will eventually be taken away from us, either in this world or in the Hereafter. Therefore, it is essential for Muslims to prioritize their actions and intentions, focusing on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter rather than the temporary pleasures of this world.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of detachment from material possessions. It encourages us to use our wealth in a responsible and beneficial manner, recognizing that it is a trust from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that should be used for the betterment of society and the fulfillment of our obligations towards others. By understanding the transient nature of wealth, we can develop a mindset of gratitude and contentment, realizing that true happiness lies in the remembrance of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the pursuit of good deeds.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Wealth is a borrowed loan [and will not remain with you forever]

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect upon the temporary nature of worldly possessions. By recognizing that wealth is merely a loan from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we can develop a mindset of detachment, gratitude, and responsibility in our dealings with wealth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to utilize our wealth in a manner that pleases Him and benefits humanity.