Hadith #7563

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the stark contrast between the fate of those who hoard material wealth and the everlasting legacy of the scholars. The Imam begins by stating,

The keepers of material treasures are annihilated while they are [still] alive.

Here, the term

keepers of material treasures

refers to those individuals who amass wealth and possessions, placing their focus solely on worldly gains. These individuals are consumed by their greed and attachment to material possessions, leading to their spiritual destruction. Despite their apparent success in accumulating wealth, they are ultimately left empty and devoid of true contentment.

To emphasize the fleeting nature of material wealth, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) compares it to the passing of time, stating,

while the scholars remain as long as the nights and days remain.

The scholars, on the other hand, are described as enduring and everlasting. Their knowledge and teachings continue to benefit humanity throughout the ages, transcending the limitations of time and space. The Imam beautifully illustrates the profound impact of knowledge, which not only enriches the individual but also leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further elaborates on the fate of the scholars, stating,

Their bodies are lost but their examples [and teachings continue to] remain in the hearts.

Here, the Imam draws attention to the mortality of the scholars, highlighting that their physical bodies may perish, but their intellectual and spiritual legacy lives on. The true essence of their existence lies not in their physical form, but in the profound impact they have on the hearts and minds of people. Their teachings, wisdom, and exemplary conduct continue to inspire and guide generations to come.

This hadith resonates deeply with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of knowledge and the pursuit of wisdom. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Zumar (39:9),

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse highlights the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who are ignorant. The scholars, through their dedication to seeking knowledge and understanding, attain a higher spiritual station and are granted a deeper understanding of the divine wisdom.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse reminds us that true guidance comes from Allah alone. The scholars, through their unwavering commitment to seeking knowledge and understanding, become a means through which Allah guides His creation. Their teachings and guidance serve as a source of enlightenment for those who seek the truth.

The consequences of neglecting knowledge and prioritizing material wealth are evident in both the past and present. History is replete with examples of individuals who amassed great wealth and power, only to be forgotten and their legacies lost. On the other hand, the scholars who dedicated their lives to the pursuit of knowledge continue to be revered and their teachings continue to shape the course of human history.

As Muslims, we are reminded of the importance of seeking knowledge and nurturing our intellectual and spiritual growth. We are encouraged to follow in the footsteps of the scholars, who dedicated their lives to understanding the teachings of the Quran and the Prophetic traditions. By doing so, we can ensure that the legacy of knowledge continues to thrive and benefit future generations.

In conclusion, this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of material wealth and the everlasting impact of knowledge. It urges us to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, for it is through this pursuit that we can leave a lasting legacy and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to seek knowledge with sincerity and humility, and may He bless us with the wisdom to apply that knowledge in our lives.