Hadith #8228

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

الْغِنَى يُسَوِّدُ غَيْرَ السَّيِّدِ

which translates to

Riches turn one who is not a master into a master.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transformative power of wealth and its potential to change the dynamics of a person's life.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "الْغِنَى" refers to wealth or riches, which can encompass material possessions, financial resources, and worldly abundance. "يُسَوِّدُ" means to turn someone into a master or to grant them authority and control. And "غَيْرَ السَّيِّدِ" refers to someone who is not originally a master or a person of authority.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:32),

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and the fleeting nature of material wealth. Just as rain nourishes the earth and causes vegetation to flourish, wealth can elevate an individual's status and grant them authority. However, like the dry remnants scattered by the winds, wealth can also dissipate and lose its power.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the importance of generosity and selflessness, even in times of scarcity or financial hardship. It reminds us that true mastery lies not in the accumulation of wealth, but in the ability to give and prioritize the needs of others over our own desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect on the consequences of wealth and its potential impact on our character and behavior. It warns us against becoming arrogant, selfish, and oppressive when we attain wealth or authority. Instead, it encourages us to use our resources for the betterment of society, to uplift the oppressed, and to fulfill our responsibilities as stewards of Allah's blessings.

This Hadith also reminds us of the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was renowned for his deep understanding and profound knowledge. His statement highlights the significance of acquiring knowledge and using it to navigate the complexities of life, including the challenges that come with wealth and power. By seeking knowledge, we can develop the wisdom and discernment necessary to use our resources in a just and righteous manner.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect on the transformative power of wealth. It cautions against the dangers of becoming consumed by material possessions and losing sight of our responsibilities towards others. By seeking knowledge, practicing generosity, and prioritizing the needs of others, we can ensure that wealth does not corrupt our character but instead becomes a means of attaining true mastery in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to use our resources for the betterment of humanity.