Hadith #5174

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) emphasizes the importance of establishing partnership with those who have been blessed with sustenance. The key words in this Hadith are (establish partnership) "شارِكُوا", (sustenance) "الرِّزْقُ", (worthier) "أجْدَرُ", and (more befitting) "أخْلَقُ".

The word (establish partnership) "شارِكُوا" implies joining hands and collaborating with individuals who have already been granted sustenance by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This partnership can take various forms, such as business partnerships, collaborations in charitable endeavors, or even seeking advice and guidance from those who have been blessed with wealth and success.

The term (sustenance) "الرِّزْقُ" refers to the provisions and blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His creation. It encompasses not only material wealth but also knowledge, skills, and opportunities. By establishing partnership with those who have been blessed with sustenance, we can benefit from their knowledge, experience, and resources, which can lead to success and prosperity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that those who have been blessed with sustenance are (worthier) "أجْدَرُ" of success. This means that they are more deserving of achieving success and prosperity due to their abilities, skills, and the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Their track record of success and their ability to manage and utilize resources effectively make them suitable partners for achieving success in various endeavors.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) mentions that those who have been blessed with sustenance are (more befitting) "أخْلَقُ" of prosperity. This implies that they possess the necessary qualities, such as wisdom, integrity, and responsibility, to handle prosperity in a righteous and beneficial manner. They have the ability to use their wealth and resources for the betterment of society and to fulfill their obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and their fellow human beings.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, guidance, and support from those who are more knowledgeable and experienced. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 28:

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.

This verse encourages believers to surround themselves with righteous individuals who are dedicated to the worship of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure. By doing so, we can benefit from their knowledge, guidance, and spiritual strength, which can lead us towards success and prosperity in both this world and the Hereafter.

Another verse that supports the concept of establishing partnership with those who have been blessed with sustenance is found in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 76:

Indeed, Qarun was from the people of Moses, but he tyrannized them. And We gave him of treasures whose keys would burden a band of strong men; thereupon his people said to him, 'Do not exult. Indeed, Allah does not like the exultant.'

This verse tells the story of Qarun, who was blessed with immense wealth and resources. However, instead of using his blessings for the benefit of others, he became arrogant and oppressive towards his people. This serves as a warning that wealth and prosperity should not be a source of pride and arrogance, but rather a means to serve and uplift others.

In light of these Quranic verses and the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we as Muslims are encouraged to seek partnerships and collaborations with those who have been blessed with sustenance. By doing so, we can benefit from their knowledge, experience, and resources, and together, we can work towards success and prosperity in both worldly and spiritual matters. It is important to remember that wealth and prosperity should be used in a responsible and righteous manner, with the intention of pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and benefiting society as a whole. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in establishing beneficial partnerships and grant us success and prosperity in this life and the Hereafter.