Hadith #9448

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) draws our attention to four different types of individuals and their negative characteristics. Let us delve into the exegesis of this hadith, exploring the meanings and implications of each description.

The first category mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is the

poor man suffering poverty.

This refers to an individual who is in a state of poverty and is constantly struggling to make ends meet. The emphasis here is not only on their financial situation but also on their perseverance and endurance in the face of adversity. This person serves as a reminder to us of the blessings we have been granted by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and the responsibility we have to help those in need.

To support this understanding, we can refer to the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

The second category mentioned is the

rich man who shows ingratitude in return for the blessings that Allah has bestowed on him.

This refers to an individual who is blessed with wealth and abundance but fails to acknowledge and appreciate these blessings. Instead of expressing gratitude to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), they become arrogant and ungrateful. This serves as a reminder for us to be grateful for the blessings we have and to use them in a way that pleases Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In Surah An-Nahl (16:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Or do they not see that Allah extends provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]? Indeed, in that are signs for a people who believe.

The third category mentioned is the

miser who denies the right of Allah in order to increase his wealth.

This refers to an individual who hoards their wealth and refuses to fulfill their obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and others. They prioritize their own wealth over the rights of others and the commands of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This serves as a reminder for us to be generous and fulfill our obligations towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

The fourth and final category mentioned is the

unruly person who closes his ears to all counsel.

This refers to an individual who refuses to listen to wise advice and guidance, choosing instead to follow their own desires and whims. They are deaf to the wisdom and knowledge that could benefit them. This serves as a reminder for us to be open to advice and guidance, especially from those who possess knowledge and wisdom.

In Surah Al-Jathiyah (45:23), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Have you seen he who has taken as his god his [own] desire, and Allah has sent him astray due to knowledge and has set a seal upon his hearing and his heart and put over his vision a veil? So who will guide him after Allah? Then will you not be reminded?

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their own actions and characteristics. It highlights the importance of gratitude, generosity, fulfilling our obligations, and seeking knowledge and guidance. By avoiding the negative traits mentioned in this hadith, we can strive to become better individuals and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to the right path and help us in embodying these virtues.