Hadith #10081

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the 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) highlights the concept of wealth and its true value in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the worst kind of wealth is that which does not benefit its owner. This statement emphasizes the importance of utilizing wealth in a way that brings about positive change and fulfills the needs of the individual.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words used by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). The word (amwal) "أمْوالِ" refers to wealth or possessions. It encompasses all forms of material resources that a person may possess, such as money, property, and assets. The word (sharr) "شَرُّ" means worst or evil, indicating the negative consequences associated with certain types of wealth. Finally, the phrase (ma lam yughni 'an sahibihi)

ما لَمْ يُغْنِ عَنْ صاحِبِهِ

translates to

that which does not benefit its owner.

This phrase highlights the futility of wealth that fails to fulfill its intended purpose.

The Quran provides us with several verses that shed light on the significance of wealth and its proper utilization. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 3:92)

You will never attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending wealth in the cause of righteousness and for the betterment of oneself and others. It implies that true righteousness is achieved when one is willing to part with their most beloved possessions for the sake of Allah.

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

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 highlights the importance of spending from the good and lawful earnings, rather than from that which is defective or ill-gotten. It emphasizes the need to be conscious of the source and quality of wealth, as well as the intention behind its expenditure.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their relationship with wealth. It urges individuals to evaluate whether their possessions are being utilized in a manner that benefits themselves and others. Wealth, when used wisely, can be a means of attaining spiritual growth and fulfilling the needs of the community. However, when wealth becomes an end in itself, it can lead to greed, arrogance, and neglect of one's responsibilities towards others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying encourages Muslims to adopt a mindset of selflessness and generosity. It reminds us that true value lies not in the accumulation of wealth, but in its proper utilization for the betterment of society. By using our wealth to support charitable causes, assist those in need, and invest in projects that promote social welfare, we can ensure that our possessions serve a purpose beyond our own material desires.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of utilizing wealth in a manner that benefits its owner and society as a whole. It reminds us that true wealth lies not in the accumulation of possessions, but in the positive impact we can make through our resources. By following the guidance of the Quran and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to be responsible stewards of our wealth and use it to bring about positive change in the world. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and understanding to implement these teachings in our lives.