Hadith #8231

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Arrogance in wealth sows the seed (or warns) of abasement in poverty.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the consequences of arrogance and pride when it comes to material wealth.

Let us first delve into the important words of this Hadith. The word (zahw) "زَّهْوُ" refers to arrogance or pride, while (ghina) "غِنى" means wealth. The word (yubaththiru) "يُبَذِّرُ" can be translated as "sows the seed" or "warns," and (dhill) "ذُّلَّ" signifies abasement or humiliation. Finally, (faqar) "فَقْرِ" means poverty.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:23),

That you may not despair over what has eluded you nor exult [in pride] over what He has given you.

This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding arrogance when it comes to wealth, as it can lead to despair and a false sense of superiority.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

This verse highlights the story of Qarun, who was blessed with immense wealth but allowed his arrogance to consume him. As a result, he faced severe consequences and was ultimately punished by Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be humble and grateful for the blessings of wealth. It warns us against becoming arrogant and prideful, as these traits can lead to our downfall. When a person is wealthy, they may feel superior to others and look down upon those who are less fortunate. However, the reality is that wealth is temporary and can easily be lost. In times of poverty, those who were once arrogant may find themselves humiliated and in a state of abasement.

This Hadith teaches us the importance of maintaining humility and gratitude, regardless of our financial status. It reminds us that true success lies in our character and how we treat others, rather than the material possessions we possess. We should strive to use our wealth for the betterment of society, helping those in need and fulfilling our responsibilities towards our fellow human beings.

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a motivation for self-reflection and self-improvement. It encourages us to examine our own attitudes towards wealth and to constantly evaluate our intentions and actions. Are we using our wealth to benefit others and seek the pleasure of Allah, or are we allowing it to fuel our ego and arrogance? By reflecting on this Hadith, we can strive to align our behavior with the teachings of Islam and avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and pride.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be humble and grateful for the blessings of wealth. It warns against the dangers of arrogance and pride, highlighting the consequences that can arise from such attitudes. By turning to the Quran for guidance and reflecting on the examples provided, we can strive to cultivate humility, gratitude, and compassion in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the traps of arrogance and bless us with the ability to use our wealth for the betterment of humanity.