Hadith #10093

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

He who does not reform his [means of earning or spending] wealth has not earned it.

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct in acquiring and utilizing wealth. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The key word in this Hadith is (yaktasib) "يَكْتَسِبْ", which means to earn or acquire. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting that true acquisition of wealth is not merely about accumulating material possessions, but it also entails the responsibility of reforming one's means of earning and spending. This implies that wealth should be acquired through lawful means and used in a manner that aligns with the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness.

The Quran supports this concept of ethical acquisition and utilization of wealth. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:29)

O you who have believed, do not consume one another's wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent

This verse emphasizes the importance of conducting business transactions fairly and with mutual consent, highlighting the need for ethical behavior in acquiring wealth.

Furthermore, the Quran encourages Muslims to spend their wealth in a righteous manner. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (2:177)

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves

This verse highlights the importance of using wealth to benefit others, especially those in need, rather than being solely driven by personal gain.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that wealth should not be pursued at the expense of moral values and principles. It is not enough to accumulate wealth; one must also ensure that it is acquired and utilized in a manner that is pleasing to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect upon their means of earning and spending, and to rectify any unethical practices or misuse of wealth.

For example, if someone earns their wealth through dishonest means, such as fraud or exploitation, they have not truly earned it in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Similarly, if someone spends their wealth extravagantly on unnecessary luxuries while neglecting their obligations towards the less fortunate, they have not reformed their means of spending. This Hadith calls upon Muslims to evaluate their financial practices, rectify any shortcomings, and align their wealth with the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness.

The consequences of not reforming one's means of earning and spending are twofold. Firstly, it leads to the loss of the true blessings and barakah that come with lawful and righteous wealth. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (2:270)

And whatever you spend of expenditures or make of vows - indeed, Allah knows of it. And for the wrongdoers there are no helpers

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our financial actions and intentions, and that those who engage in wrongdoing will not find any support or assistance.

Secondly, not reforming one's means of earning and spending can have negative consequences in both this world and the hereafter. In this world, unethical financial practices can lead to legal consequences, damaged reputations, and strained relationships. In the hereafter, one will be held accountable for their actions and will face the consequences of their unjust acquisition and misuse of wealth.

Reflecting on this Hadith, Muslims are reminded of the importance of ethical conduct in all aspects of life, including financial matters. It serves as a call to reform our means of earning and spending, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam and the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness. By doing so, we can attain the true blessings and barakah of wealth, both in this world and the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in reforming our means of earning and spending, and grant us the wisdom to utilize our wealth in a manner that pleases Him. Ameen.