Hadith #10891

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,

Piety is nothing but scrutinizing one’s earnings [to ensure lawfulness] and abstaining from worldly pursuits.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of two key aspects of piety: the careful examination of one's earnings and the avoidance of excessive worldly pursuits.

The word "war'a" in Arabic, translated as "piety," refers to a state of righteousness and consciousness of Allah's commands. It encompasses a deep sense of fear and awe towards Allah, which motivates individuals to adhere to His guidance and avoid anything that may displease Him.

The first aspect of piety mentioned in the Hadith is "taharri," which means scrutinizing or examining one's earnings. This refers to the act of carefully assessing the source of one's income to ensure its lawfulness. It encourages Muslims to be mindful of the ethical and moral implications of their financial activities. This includes avoiding any form of dishonesty, exploitation, or engaging in prohibited transactions such as usury (riba) or gambling (maysir).

The Quran supports this concept of scrutinizing one's earnings in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188), Allah says,

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].

This verse highlights the importance of earning wealth through lawful means and warns against unjust practices that harm others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:90), Allah states,

O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.

This verse prohibits Muslims from engaging in activities that are considered impure and sinful, emphasizing the need to abstain from unlawful earnings.

The second aspect of piety mentioned in the Hadith is "kaffu 'an al-matalib," which means abstaining from excessive worldly pursuits. This refers to avoiding an excessive attachment to material possessions and the pursuit of worldly desires. It encourages Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and the pursuit of the hereafter over worldly gains.

The Quran provides numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the importance of detaching oneself from excessive worldly pursuits. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah 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.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking sustenance and support from Allah rather than relying solely on worldly possessions.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah states,

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 reminds Muslims that the worldly life is temporary and fleeting, and true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the eternal life in the hereafter.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be conscious of the sources of their earnings and to abstain from excessive attachment to worldly pursuits. By scrutinizing our earnings and ensuring their lawfulness, we uphold the principles of justice and fairness in our financial dealings. By detaching ourselves from excessive worldly pursuits, we prioritize our spiritual growth and focus on the pursuit of the hereafter.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt a balanced approach to wealth and worldly pursuits. It does not discourage the acquisition of wealth or the pursuit of a comfortable life, but rather emphasizes the importance of doing so in a lawful and ethical manner, while maintaining a strong connection with Allah and prioritizing the eternal life. By embodying these principles of piety, Muslims can lead a life that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to themselves and society as a whole.