Hadith #10620

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,

دِرْهَمٌ يَنْفَعُ خَيْرٌ مِنْ دينار يَصْرَعُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of the value and impact of a small amount of money that is beneficial to others, compared to a larger amount that leads to ruin.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by analyzing its key words. The word (dirham) "دِرْهَمٌ" refers to a small unit of currency, while (dinar) "دينار" represents a larger unit of currency. The word (benefits) "يَنْفَعُ" signifies the positive impact and usefulness of the dirham, while (throws into ruin) "يَصْرَعُ" indicates the destructive consequences of the dinar.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267),

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.

This verse highlights the importance of giving in charity from what is good and beneficial. It encourages Muslims to spend their wealth in ways that bring about positive change and benefit to others. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes this sentiment by emphasizing that a small amount of money that is used for the betterment of others is far more valuable than a larger sum that leads to ruin.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking sustenance and wealth from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and relying on Him for our provisions. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith reminds us that it is not the quantity of wealth that matters, but rather how it is used for the benefit of others.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom. This Hadith reflects his deep understanding of the true value of wealth and the importance of using it for the betterment of society. It serves as a reminder to Muslims that true wealth lies in the positive impact we make on the lives of others, rather than the accumulation of material possessions.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson that a small amount of money that benefits others is far more valuable than a larger sum that leads to ruin. It reminds us to prioritize the well-being of others and to use our wealth in ways that bring about positive change and benefit to society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement this valuable lesson in our lives.