Hadith #10105

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who does not let go [of his wealth] while he is praised will have to leave [it] while he is vilified.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of detachment from worldly possessions and the transient nature of material wealth.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (mahmood) "مَحْمُودٌ" refers to being praised or admired, while (madhmoon) "مَذْمُومٌ" means being vilified or criticized. The word (yada') "يَدَعْ" means to let go or relinquish, and (wahua) "وَهُوَ" signifies the state or condition of the person.

To comprehend the wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

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.

This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the distractions they bring. The praise and admiration of others can often lead to attachment to material wealth, causing one to hold onto it tightly.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

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

This verse highlights the transient nature of wealth and the fact that it is merely a test from Allah. Holding onto wealth while being praised is a sign of attachment to the material world, which can distract us from our ultimate purpose in life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that true success lies in detachment from worldly possessions. When one is praised, it is easy to become attached to the wealth that may have brought about that praise. However, the Imam (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to let go of our attachment to wealth, recognizing that it is temporary and will eventually be left behind.

The consequences of not heeding this advice can be seen in the example of Qarun mentioned in the Quran. Qarun was a man who was blessed with immense wealth and was praised by his people. However, he became arrogant and refused to share his wealth with those in need. As a result, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) caused the earth to swallow him and his wealth, as mentioned in Surah Al-Qasas (28:81).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that we should not become attached to material possessions, even if they bring us praise and admiration. Instead, we should focus on using our wealth to benefit others and fulfill our responsibilities towards society. By doing so, we can attain true success in this world and the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of detachment from worldly possessions. It reminds us that material wealth is temporary and should not be the focus of our lives. By letting go of our attachment to wealth, even when praised, we can attain true success and fulfill our responsibilities towards others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement this valuable lesson in our lives.