Hadith #9985

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, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The affluent person will never be saved from death because of his abundant wealth.

This amazing Hadith highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and the ultimate reality of death that awaits every individual, regardless of their material wealth.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word "affluent" in Arabic is (غَنِيٌّ) "ghaniyyun", which refers to someone who possesses abundant wealth and resources. The word "saved" is translated from the Arabic word (يَنْجُوَ) "yanjuwa", which implies being delivered or protected from harm or danger. And finally, the word "death" is (الْمَوْتِ) "al-mawt", which signifies the inevitable end of life in this world.

To comprehend the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20:

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the temporary enjoyment they provide. It warns us against becoming engrossed in accumulating wealth and material possessions, as they are merely a means of temporary amusement and diversion. The true purpose of life lies beyond this transient world, in the Hereafter, where eternal consequences await.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Takathur, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in verses 1-2:

Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you until you visit the graves.

These verses serve as a reminder that the obsession with accumulating wealth and worldly possessions can distract us from the reality of death and the importance of preparing for the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the futility of relying solely on material wealth for salvation from the inevitable fate of death. No matter how affluent one may be, their wealth cannot shield them from the ultimate reality that awaits every soul. Death is a universal truth that does not discriminate based on wealth, status, or power.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual growth and prepare for the Hereafter. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the allure of worldly possessions and focus on building a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through acts of worship, kindness, and charity. It reminds us that true salvation lies in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness, not in the accumulation of material wealth.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should contemplate the consequences of our actions and the motivations behind our pursuit of wealth. Are we using our resources to benefit others and contribute to the betterment of society? Or are we solely focused on amassing wealth for personal gain? By aligning our intentions and actions with the teachings of Islam, we can strive for a balanced approach to wealth and ensure that it does not become a hindrance to our spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey over the accumulation of material wealth. It highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and the ultimate reality of death that awaits every individual. By seeking guidance from the Quran and reflecting on the consequences of our actions, we can strive to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual obligations. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize the eternal over the temporary and guide us on the path of righteousness.