Hadith #10032

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

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

The best of all wealth is that by which men become enthralled.

Let us delve into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding.

The word (afdal) "أفْضَلُ" translates to "the best" or "the most superior." It signifies something that surpasses all others in terms of excellence and virtue. In this context, it refers to the highest form of wealth.

The term (al-amwal) "الأمْوالِ" means "wealth" or "possessions." It encompasses all material possessions, such as money, property, and assets.

The word (ma) "مَا" is a relative pronoun that means "that" or "what." It refers to a specific type or category of wealth.

The verb (isturiqqa) "استُرِقَّ" is derived from the root word (saraqa) "سَرَقَ", which means "to steal" or "to take unlawfully." However, in this context, it carries a metaphorical meaning. It implies acquiring wealth through legitimate means, but in a way that captivates and engrosses people's hearts and minds.

The term (ar-rijal) "الرِّجالُ" refers to "men" or "people." It signifies individuals who are susceptible to being captivated by certain forms of wealth.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:14),

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse highlights the natural inclination of human beings towards worldly possessions and desires. It acknowledges that people are attracted to wealth, whether it be in the form of material possessions, relationships, or other worldly pleasures. However, it also reminds us that the true reward and ultimate return lies with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of wealth that captivates and engrosses people in a positive way. It refers to wealth that is acquired through legitimate means and is used for noble purposes. This type of wealth has the power to inspire and uplift individuals, leading them towards righteousness and spiritual growth.

For example, wealth that is used to establish educational institutions, hospitals, or charitable organizations can have a profound impact on society. It can provide opportunities for learning, healing, and support for those in need. Such wealth becomes a means of empowerment and upliftment for individuals, benefiting not only the recipients but also the wider community.

On the other hand, wealth that is acquired through dishonest or exploitative means, or that is hoarded and used solely for personal gain, can have detrimental effects on individuals and society. It can breed corruption, inequality, and injustice. This type of wealth fails to captivate hearts in a positive manner and instead leads to moral decay and spiritual impoverishment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect on the nature of their wealth and how they utilize it. It encourages us to strive for wealth that not only benefits us in this world but also earns us the pleasure and reward of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of wealth that captivates and engrosses people in a positive way. It encourages Muslims to acquire wealth through legitimate means and utilize it for noble purposes. By doing so, we can contribute to the betterment of society and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in acquiring and utilizing wealth in a manner that is pleasing to Him.