Hadith #10036

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أطْيَبُ الْمالِ مَا اكْتُسِبَ مِنْ حِلِّهِ۔

This can be translated as,

The best wealth is that which has been earned by its lawful means.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

The word (Atyab) "أطْيَبُ" means the purest, the best, or the most excellent. It signifies something that is not only good, but also untainted and free from any impurities. It implies a level of moral and ethical purity that is essential in the acquisition of wealth.

The word (Al-mal) "الْمالِ" refers to wealth or possessions. It encompasses all forms of material resources, including money, property, and assets.

The word (Iktusiba) "اكْتُسِبَ" means to acquire or earn. It highlights the process of obtaining wealth through one's efforts and endeavors.

The word (Min) "مِنْ" denotes the source or origin of the wealth. It emphasizes the importance of the means by which the wealth is acquired.

Lastly, the word (Hillih) "حِلِّهِ" refers to the lawful and permissible means of acquiring wealth. It encompasses all actions and methods that are in accordance with the teachings of Islam and do not involve any form of dishonesty, exploitation, or injustice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the significance of acquiring wealth through lawful means. It highlights the importance of ethical conduct and integrity in the pursuit of material resources. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of honesty, fairness, and justice in all aspects of life, including financial matters.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:188),

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse clearly prohibits the unlawful acquisition of wealth and warns against exploiting others for personal gain. It emphasizes the importance of earning wealth through lawful means and refraining from any form of corruption or injustice.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:38), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And [as for] the man who steals and the woman who steals, cut off their hands in recompense for what they earned as a deterrent [punishment] from Allah. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.

This verse highlights the severe consequences of unlawfully acquiring wealth through theft. It serves as a deterrent and emphasizes the importance of earning wealth through lawful means.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that the purity and righteousness of our actions are crucial in the acquisition of wealth. It encourages us to strive for lawful means of earning, ensuring that our wealth is untainted by any form of dishonesty or exploitation.

By adhering to the teachings of Islam and conducting our financial affairs with integrity, we not only secure the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in this world but also in the hereafter. Our wealth becomes a source of barakah (blessings) and a means to benefit others, rather than a cause of regret and punishment.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes the importance of acquiring wealth through lawful means. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize honesty, fairness, and justice in all aspects of life. By earning our wealth through ethical conduct and integrity, we ensure its purity and seek the blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to earn and utilize our wealth in a manner that pleases Him and benefits humanity.