Hadith #10042

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of earning wealth without obeying the commandments of Allah. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that on the Day of Resurrection, the person who will experience the greatest regret is the one who acquires wealth through means that are not in accordance with the obedience of Allah.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to better understand its beautiful message. The word (hasratan) "حَسْرَةً" refers to intense regret and sorrow. It signifies the deep remorse that an individual will feel when they realize the consequences of their actions on the Day of Judgment. The word (iktasaba) "اكْتَسَبَ" means to earn or acquire. In this context, it refers to the acquisition of wealth through means that are not sanctioned by Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further explains that the person who accumulates such wealth without obeying Allah's commandments will eventually pass away, leaving behind their wealth for someone else. This individual, who inherits the wealth, then spends it in obedience to Allah, using it for righteous purposes and acts of worship. As a result, this person enters Paradise through the blessings of the wealth that was spent in the way of Allah.

On the other hand, the first person, who initially earned the wealth through disobedience, will enter Hell because of it. This highlights the stark contrast between the consequences of earning wealth through lawful means and earning it through unlawful means. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with the commandments of Allah and the significance of using our wealth in a manner that pleases Him.

This Hadith resonates with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of earning wealth through lawful means and spending it in obedience to Allah. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188),

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah warns against the accumulation of wealth through unlawful means, saying,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

These verses highlight the importance of acquiring wealth through lawful means and seeking Allah's blessings in our endeavors. They remind us that wealth earned through disobedience will only lead to regret and punishment in the Hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be mindful of how they earn and spend their wealth. It urges us to prioritize obedience to Allah in all aspects of our lives, including our financial transactions. It teaches us that true success lies not in the accumulation of material wealth, but in using our resources to please Allah and benefit others.

May Allah guide us to earn our wealth through lawful means and inspire us to spend it in ways that bring us closer to Him. May He protect us from the regret and punishment that result from earning wealth without obeying His commandments. Ameen.