Hadith #412

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.

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

الغِنَى والْفَقْرُ بَعْدَ الْعَرْضِ عَلَى اللهِ۔

This can be translated as,

Riches and destitution will follow presentation before Allah.

Let us delve into the meaning of this impactful Hadith. The word (al-ghina) "الغِنَى" refers to wealth, abundance, or richness. It signifies having an abundance of material possessions and resources. On the other hand, the word (al-faqr) "الْفَقْرُ" refers to poverty or destitution. It represents a state of lacking material resources and being in need.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting a profound truth about the nature of wealth and poverty in relation to our presentation before Allah. This statement implies that our worldly possessions, whether they be riches or destitution, are not the ultimate measure of success or failure in the eyes of Allah. Rather, it is our presentation before Him that truly matters.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Imran, verse 185:

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and the ultimate reality of the Day of Resurrection, where true compensation will be given. It reminds us that the life of this world is merely a temporary illusion, and our true success lies in attaining Paradise and being saved from the torment of Hellfire.

Another verse that sheds light on the meaning of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20:

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse beautifully illustrates the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the deceptive allure of material wealth. It likens the life of this world to a passing rain, which brings temporary pleasure and growth but eventually withers away. It reminds us that the true purpose of our existence lies in seeking forgiveness from Allah, His approval, and the rewards of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is urging us to reflect upon the transient nature of wealth and poverty in the grand scheme of our presentation before Allah. Whether we are blessed with abundance or find ourselves in a state of need, it is crucial to remember that these worldly conditions are not the ultimate measure of our success or failure. What truly matters is how we present ourselves before Allah, our sincerity in worship, and our adherence to His commands.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual journey and focus on building a strong relationship with Allah. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world and instead invest our time and efforts in seeking His pleasure and preparing for the eternal life to come.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that riches and destitution are temporary states that will ultimately be presented before Allah. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our spiritual journey and seeking Allah's pleasure above worldly possessions. May Allah guide us all to the right path and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.