اَلقَبْرُ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الفَقْرِ۔
The grave is better than poverty.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Poverty)
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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,
القَبْرُ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الفَقْرِ
which translates to
The grave is better than poverty.
This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of the afterlife and the transient nature of worldly possessions.
Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words used. The word (qabr) "قَبْرُ" refers to the grave, the final resting place of every human being. It symbolizes the transition from this temporary world to the eternal realm of the hereafter. On the other hand, the word (faqar) "فَقْرِ" denotes poverty, which encompasses not only financial destitution but also a state of neediness and deprivation.
To understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, we turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (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.
This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the temporary nature of material wealth. It highlights that the pursuit of wealth and worldly possessions can distract us from the true purpose of our existence, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and prepare for the eternal life in the hereafter.
Furthermore, in Surah At-Takathur (102:1-2), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us,
Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you until you visit the graveyards.
This verse draws our attention to the reality of death and the importance of reflecting upon it. It reminds us that the pursuit of worldly gains can distract us from the ultimate truth and the inevitability of our own mortality.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,
The grave is better than poverty,
serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal life over the temporary pleasures of this world. It does not imply that poverty is desirable in itself, but rather emphasizes the importance of spiritual wealth and the pursuit of righteousness.
When we reflect on the consequences of this Hadith, we realize that the grave is a gateway to the eternal life. It is a place where our deeds will be weighed and our true worth will be determined. The wealth and possessions we accumulate in this world will be of no avail in the hereafter, but the good deeds we perform will be our true wealth.
Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits that often consume our lives. It reminds us to focus on building our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure, rather than being preoccupied with accumulating wealth and possessions.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),
The grave is better than poverty,
serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal life and spiritual wealth over the transient nature of worldly possessions. It urges us to reflect on the purpose of our existence and to strive for righteousness and good deeds that will benefit us in the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true value of the grave and guide us on the path of righteousness.
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