Hadith #8479

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.

In this profound hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights a profound truth about the nature of wealth and poverty. The Arabic words used in this hadith are (faqeer) "فَقِير", which means "poor person," and (ghaniyy) "غَنِيّ", which means "rich person."

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by saying (kam) "كَمْ", which means "how many." This phrase emphasizes the frequency and prevalence of the phenomenon he is about to describe. He then states that (faqeer) "فَقِير", a person who is generally considered poor and lacking material wealth, can actually be (ghaniyy) "غَنِيّ", meaning they possess inner richness and contentment. On the other hand, a person who is outwardly rich and affluent can be (muftaqir) "مُفْتَقِر", which means they are in need and lacking in spiritual or emotional fulfillment.

To understand the depth and significance of this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

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 inner strength and reliance on Allah, which can transform a person's state of poverty into richness. A person who is content with what Allah has provided, even if it is little in material terms, is truly rich in the eyes of Allah.

In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. It is as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw.

This verse reminds us that the material wealth of this world is temporary and fleeting. True richness lies in the contentment of the heart and the pursuit of righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reevaluate their understanding of wealth and poverty. It challenges the notion that material possessions alone determine a person's worth and happiness. Instead, it encourages us to focus on the inner richness of the soul and the contentment that comes from a deep connection with Allah.

This hadith also has important implications for our interactions with others. It teaches us not to judge people solely based on their outward appearances or material possessions. A person who may seem poor in worldly terms could be spiritually rich and possess qualities such as patience, gratitude, and humility. Conversely, a person who appears to be rich may be spiritually impoverished, lacking in compassion, generosity, and gratitude towards Allah.

Reflecting on this hadith, we are reminded of the story of the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) companion, Bilal (رضي الله عنه). Bilal was a former slave who had nothing in terms of material wealth, yet he was known for his unwavering faith and devotion to Allah. His spiritual richness and unwavering belief in Allah's oneness made him one of the most revered companions of the Prophet (ﷺ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reevaluate their understanding of wealth and poverty. It emphasizes the importance of inner richness and contentment, which can transform a person's state of poverty into true richness in the sight of Allah. It also teaches us not to judge others based solely on their outward appearances or material possessions. May Allah guide us to seek true richness and contentment in our lives and grant us the wisdom to recognize the true value of wealth.