Hadith #468

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.

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

مَنْ آثََركَ بِنَشَبِهِ فَقَدِ اختارَكَ على نَفْسِهِ۔

This powerful statement can be translated as,

One who prefers you to his property and wealth has preferred you over himself.

Let us delve into the depths of this profound Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (atharak) "آثََركَ" in this Hadith holds great significance. It is derived from the root word (athara) "أَثَرَ", which means to give preference or priority. In this context, it refers to someone who prioritizes the well-being and interests of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) over their own material possessions. This act of selflessness and sacrifice demonstrates a deep level of love, devotion, and loyalty towards Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

To understand the profoundness of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9),

And those who, before them, had homes [in Medina] and had adopted the faith, love those who emigrate 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 virtue of giving preference to others over oneself, even in times of hardship. The companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) displayed this selflessness by welcoming and supporting the emigrants from Makkah, despite their own limited resources. Similarly, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the needs and well-being of the Imam over one's own material possessions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the righteous believers by saying,

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'

This Quranic verse emphasizes the act of selfless giving, where believers provide sustenance to those in need purely for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), without expecting any reward or gratitude in return. Similarly, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to prioritize the Imam's well-being over their own wealth, without seeking any personal gain or recognition.

The consequences of adhering to the teachings of this Hadith are profound. By prioritizing the Imam's welfare over material possessions, one demonstrates their unwavering love and loyalty towards the Imam. This act of selflessness strengthens the bond between the believer and the Imam, and it serves as a means of attaining spiritual growth and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the importance of selflessness and sacrifice in our daily lives. It encourages Muslims to prioritize the needs of others over their own desires and material possessions. By embodying the spirit of this Hadith, we can cultivate a society based on compassion, empathy, and selflessness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the virtue of giving preference to the Imam's well-being over our own wealth and possessions. It emphasizes the importance of selflessness, sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty towards the Imam. By adhering to the teachings of this Hadith, we can strengthen our relationship with the Imam, attain spiritual growth, and contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody the teachings of this Hadith and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).