Hadith #1964

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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, "غِنَى الجاهِلِ بِمالِهِ۔" This can be translated as,

The wealth of an ignorant person is in his worldly possessions.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this enlightening saying in light of the Quran. The word (ghina) "غِنَى" refers to wealth or richness, while (al-jahil) "الجاهِلِ" refers to an ignorant person. The word (malih) "مالِهِ" signifies his material possessions or worldly wealth.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the importance of seeking true wealth. In Surah Al-Imran (3:14), Allah says,

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.

This verse highlights that the love and attachment to material possessions are common among people. However, true wealth lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and investing in the Hereafter. The ignorant person, who lacks knowledge and understanding of the true purpose of life, finds contentment and satisfaction solely in accumulating worldly possessions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize seeking knowledge and spiritual growth over material wealth. The pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) leads to enlightenment and a deeper connection with Allah.

In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding.

This verse emphasizes the distinction between those who possess knowledge and those who are ignorant. The knowledgeable ones are the ones who remember Allah, understand His signs, and strive to live a righteous life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also highlights the consequences of ignorance and attachment to worldly possessions. When a person's focus is solely on accumulating wealth, they become oblivious to the true purpose of life and neglect their spiritual growth. This ignorance can lead to arrogance, greed, and a neglect of one's duties towards Allah and fellow human beings.

In Surah Al-Takathur (102:1-2), Allah warns,

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

This verse reminds us that the obsession with worldly possessions can distract us from the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness. It is a reminder that we will eventually leave this world and be held accountable for our actions.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded to seek knowledge, understand the purpose of life, and prioritize our spiritual growth. True wealth lies not in the accumulation of material possessions, but in the richness of our faith, character, and relationship with Allah. May we strive to be people of knowledge, understanding, and righteousness, seeking the eternal wealth of the Hereafter.