Hadith #10092

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

That portion of your wealth which teaches you a lesson and earns you gratitude will never go [to waste].

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of utilizing our wealth in a manner that not only benefits us materially but also spiritually.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (malik) "مالِكَ" refers to one's wealth or possessions. It encompasses all forms of material resources that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. The word (wa'azhaka) "وَعَظَكَ" comes from the root word (wa'azh) "وَعَظ", which means to teach, advise, or admonish. In this context, it refers to the portion of our wealth that imparts valuable lessons and guidance to us. Lastly, the word (shukr) "شُّكْرَ" means gratitude or thankfulness.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:92),

Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending from our wealth in the way of Allah, particularly from that which we hold dear. It is through such acts of selflessness that we can attain true goodness and blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse encourages us to spend from the pure and lawful provisions that Allah has bestowed upon us. It reminds us to be mindful of the quality of our wealth and to avoid spending from that which is defective or ill-gotten.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of these Quranic verses. The Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the portion of our wealth which teaches us valuable lessons and earns us gratitude will never go to waste. This means that when we utilize our wealth in a manner that aligns with the teachings of Islam, it not only benefits us materially but also spiritually. For example, when we spend our wealth in acts of charity, we learn the value of generosity, compassion, and selflessness. This act of giving not only brings us closer to Allah but also instills a sense of gratitude within us.

Moreover, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of reflecting upon the lessons that our wealth teaches us. When we observe the blessings and provisions that Allah has bestowed upon us, we develop a deeper appreciation for His mercy and generosity. This gratitude becomes a means of spiritual growth and draws us closer to our Creator.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for us to utilize our wealth in a manner that not only benefits us materially but also spiritually. By spending from our wealth in acts of charity and righteousness, we learn valuable lessons and cultivate gratitude within ourselves. This leads to personal growth and a stronger connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith and may Allah bless us with the ability to utilize our wealth in a manner that earns us gratitude and eternal rewards.