Hadith #10048

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "المالُ حِسابٌ۔" which translates to

Wealth is reckoning [in the Hereafter].

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and serves as a reminder for all Muslims regarding the true nature and purpose of wealth in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (al-maal) "المال" refers to wealth or possessions, encompassing both material and financial resources. (hisab) "حِسابٌ" means reckoning or accountability, referring to the evaluation and judgment of one's actions and deeds.

The Quran provides numerous verses that shed light on the significance of wealth and its role in the Hereafter. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:15),

Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.

This verse emphasizes that wealth, like children, is a test from Allah. It is not an end in itself but rather a means to determine our faith and obedience to Him.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:180), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And let not those who [greedily] withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled by what they withheld on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse highlights the consequences of hoarding wealth and failing to fulfill the obligations of charity and generosity. Such individuals will face the consequences of their actions on the Day of Resurrection.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder that wealth is not an end in itself, but rather a means of accountability. It reminds us that our possessions and resources will be evaluated in the Hereafter, and we will be held accountable for how we acquired, utilized, and distributed them.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect on their relationship with wealth and to prioritize its proper usage. It reminds us to seek lawful means of acquiring wealth and to be mindful of the rights of others, including the obligation to give charity and support those in need. It also serves as a motivation to engage in acts of kindness and generosity, as these actions will be weighed in the scales of our deeds on the Day of Judgment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, provides us with a valuable insight into the true nature of wealth. He reminds us that our possessions are not merely for our own enjoyment and accumulation, but rather a means to fulfill our responsibilities towards Allah and His creation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "المالُ حِسابٌ۔" conveys a wise message about the true purpose of wealth. It reminds us that our possessions and resources are not ends in themselves, but rather a means of accountability in the Hereafter. It encourages us to reflect on our relationship with wealth, prioritize its proper usage, and fulfill our obligations towards Allah and His creation. May we all strive to use our wealth in a manner that pleases Allah and brings us closer to Him.