Hadith #10101

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

مَنْ كَرُمَ عَلَيْهِ الْمالُ هانَتْ عَلَيْهِ الرِّجالُ۔

which translates to,

One who considers wealth to be precious, regards people as insignificant.

This Hadith highlights the importance of valuing human relationships and prioritizing them over material possessions.

Let us delve deeper into the words used in this Hadith. The word (karuma) "كَرُمَ" is derived from the root word (karama) "كَرَمَ", which means to honor, respect, or be generous. It signifies the act of bestowing kindness and generosity upon someone. The word (al-maal) "الْمَالُ" refers to wealth or material possessions. And the word (hanat) "هانَتْ" is derived from the root word (hana) "هَانَ", which means to belittle, degrade, or consider something insignificant. Finally, the word (ar-rijal) "الرِّجالُ" refers to people or individuals.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of valuing human relationships and treating others with kindness and respect. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse reminds us that our diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, and social status is a means for us to come together and understand one another. It emphasizes that true nobility lies in righteousness and piety, not in wealth or material possessions. By valuing human relationships and treating others with respect, we can foster a sense of unity and harmony within our communities.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah warns against the arrogance and pride that can arise from wealth and material possessions. He says,

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. And say: Truth hath come and falsehood hath vanished away. Lo! falsehood is ever bound to vanish.

This verse reminds us that true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and striving for righteousness, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of wealth and material possessions. It serves as a reminder that the transient nature of worldly possessions should not overshadow the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships with others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the detrimental consequences of prioritizing wealth over human relationships. When one becomes fixated on accumulating wealth and considers it to be precious, they tend to overlook the value of human connections. This mindset leads to a disregard for the well-being and dignity of others, ultimately causing a breakdown in social cohesion and harmony.

By contrast, valuing human relationships and treating others with kindness and respect brings about numerous benefits. It fosters a sense of empathy, compassion, and unity within society. It allows individuals to support one another, share their blessings, and contribute to the well-being of the community as a whole.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective on wealth and material possessions. While it is not inherently wrong to possess wealth, it is crucial to recognize that true success lies in the way we treat others and the impact we have on their lives. By prioritizing human relationships and valuing the inherent worth of every individual, we can create a society that is characterized by justice, compassion, and harmony.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize human relationships over material possessions. It calls upon us to value the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their social or economic status. By doing so, we can foster a sense of unity, compassion, and justice within our communities, ultimately striving towards a society that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all to embody the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our daily lives.