Hadith #1099

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he addresses the Muslims with a thought-provoking question,

What is the matter with you?

This question is a rhetorical one, expressing his astonishment and concern for the actions of the people. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then proceeds to highlight three specific actions that he finds perplexing: hoping for what cannot be achieved, amassing wealth without utilizing it, and building houses that remain unoccupied.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of these words. The word (تُؤَمِّلُونَ) "tou'miloon" refers to the act of hoping or expecting something. The word (تَدْرِكُونَهُ) "tadrikoona" means to attain or achieve. Therefore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is questioning the Muslims about their unrealistic hopes and aspirations. He is urging them to reflect upon their desires and whether they are within the realm of possibility.

To emphasize his point, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions the accumulation of wealth without its utilization. The phrase (تَجْمَعُونَ مالا تأكُلُونَهُ)

tajma'oon mala la ta'kuloonahu

highlights the futility of amassing wealth for the sake of mere accumulation. Islam encourages the acquisition of wealth through lawful means, but it also emphasizes the importance of using wealth for the betterment of oneself and society. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding the Muslims that wealth should not be hoarded, but rather spent in ways that benefit others and fulfill the obligations of charity and social responsibility.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions the construction of houses that remain unoccupied. The phrase (تَبْنُونَ ما لا تَسْكُنُونَهُ)

tabnoona ma la taskunoona

highlights the futility of building extravagant houses that are left unoccupied or underutilized. This can be understood as a metaphor for the pursuit of materialistic desires and worldly possessions that do not bring true contentment or fulfillment. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging the Muslims to prioritize the construction of a meaningful and purposeful life, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of material wealth and possessions.

To further understand the wisdom behind Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us,

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our actions and intentions, and to prioritize the eternal rewards over temporary worldly gains.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the pursuit of worldly possessions, saying,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual aspirations. It encourages us to utilize the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in a manner that aligns with His guidance and to avoid excessive attachment to material possessions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words serve as a wake-up call for Muslims to reflect upon their actions and priorities. It is a reminder to align our hopes and aspirations with what is achievable and beneficial in both this world and the Hereafter. We are urged to utilize our wealth in a manner that benefits others and fulfills our obligations of charity and social responsibility. Furthermore, we are reminded to prioritize the construction of a meaningful and purposeful life, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of material wealth and possessions.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the profound teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the ability to implement them in our lives. May we strive to align our hopes and aspirations with what is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), utilize our wealth in a manner that benefits others, and construct lives that are meaningful and purposeful.