Hadith #10045

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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 states,

Verily the best wealth is that which bequeaths to you a provision [for the Hereafter] and a legacy, and earns you praise and reward.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its connotation in light of the Quran.

The word (wealth) "مال" in this Hadith refers to material possessions, assets, and resources that one possesses. It encompasses not only monetary wealth but also includes knowledge, skills, and virtues that one acquires throughout their life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the best form of wealth is that which brings benefits in this world and the Hereafter.

The phrase (which bequeaths to you a provision [for the Hereafter] and a legacy)

ما أوْرَثَكَ ذُخْراً وذِكْراً

highlights the importance of leaving behind a righteous and beneficial legacy. It implies that the true value of wealth lies not in its accumulation but in its utilization for the betterment of oneself and others. This legacy can be in the form of knowledge, good deeds, charitable acts, or any positive impact that continues to benefit others even after one's departure from this world.

The Quran beautifully emphasizes the significance of leaving behind a righteous legacy in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Wealth and children are the adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse reminds us that material possessions and offspring are temporary adornments of this worldly life, whereas the enduring good deeds are what truly matter and bring eternal rewards.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states, (and earns you praise and reward) "وأَكْسَبَكَ حَمْداً وَأجْراً". This part of the Hadith emphasizes the importance of acquiring wealth through lawful means and utilizing it in a manner that earns the praise and reward of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It highlights the significance of ethical conduct, honesty, and integrity in all financial dealings.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of earning wealth through lawful means and using it for righteous purposes. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 reminds us to spend from the wealth that we have earned through lawful means and from the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. It cautions against spending from that which is defective or ill-gotten, highlighting the importance of ethical conduct in financial matters.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true wealth is not measured solely by material possessions but by the provision it brings for the Hereafter, the legacy it leaves behind, and the praise and reward it earns from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This Hadith encourages us to prioritize the acquisition of knowledge, the performance of good deeds, and the utilization of our wealth for the betterment of ourselves and society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true value of wealth and guide us in utilizing it in a manner that brings benefit in this world and the Hereafter. May we strive to leave behind a righteous legacy that continues to earn us praise and reward even after we have departed from this world. Ameen.