Hadith #10068

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ثَرْوَةُ المالِ تُرْدي،وَ تُطْغي، وتَفْنى۔

This Hadith highlights the negative consequences of an abundance of wealth. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the important words in this Hadith.

The word (tharwah) "ثَرْوَةُ" refers to an abundance or surplus of wealth. It signifies a state of having an excessive amount of material possessions and financial resources. (al-mal) "الْمَالِ" refers to wealth or money. It encompasses all forms of material possessions, including money, property, and assets. The word (turdi) "تُرْدي" means to cause destruction or ruin. It implies that an excess of wealth can lead to the deterioration of one's character, morals, and overall well-being. (wa tughyi) "وَ تُطْغي" means to make one rebellious or arrogant. It suggests that an abundance of wealth can lead to a sense of superiority and entitlement, causing one to become disobedient to Allah's commands and oppressive towards others. Finally, (wa tafna) "وتَفْنى" means to perish or be wasted. It indicates that wealth, if not utilized properly, can be squandered and lost, leading to a state of impoverishment.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Imran, verse 180,

And let not those who [greedily] withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled by what they withheld on the Day of Resurrection.

This verse emphasizes that hoarding wealth and denying its rightful distribution is detrimental to one's spiritual well-being and will have severe consequences in the Hereafter.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Humazah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the characteristics of those who are consumed by their love for wealth. He says in verses 1-3,

Woe to every scorner and mocker who collects wealth and [continuously] counts it.

These verses highlight the negative traits associated with an excessive attachment to wealth, such as arrogance, mockery, and avarice.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims about the potential dangers of wealth if not used responsibly and in accordance with the teachings of Islam. An abundance of wealth can lead to the destruction of one's character and morals. It can create a false sense of power and superiority, causing individuals to deviate from the path of righteousness. Moreover, if wealth is not utilized for the betterment of society and the fulfillment of one's obligations towards Allah and fellow human beings, it can be wasted and lost, leaving one spiritually impoverished.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt a balanced approach towards wealth. It reminds us to be mindful of the potential negative effects of excessive material possessions and to prioritize the spiritual and moral aspects of our lives. Muslims should strive to use their wealth in ways that are pleasing to Allah, such as giving in charity, supporting the needy, and investing in endeavors that promote justice and equality. By doing so, we can safeguard ourselves from the destructive consequences of an abundance of wealth and ensure that our material possessions are a means of attaining closeness to Allah rather than a source of arrogance and disobedience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be cautious of the negative consequences of an abundance of wealth. It urges us to use our material possessions responsibly, in accordance with the teachings of Islam, and for the betterment of ourselves and society. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the spiritual and moral pitfalls associated with excessive attachment to wealth and ensure that our wealth becomes a means of attaining closeness to Allah and fulfilling our obligations as Muslims. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to utilize our wealth in a manner that pleases Him.