Hadith #10034

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 and noble family, and his righteous companions.

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

أنْفَعُ المالِ ما قُضِيَ بِهِ الفَرْضُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of using our wealth in a manner that fulfills our religious obligations. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (anfa'u) "أنْفَعُ" in this Hadith means "most beneficial" or "most advantageous." It highlights the idea that the true value of wealth lies in its ability to bring about benefits and advantages, both in this world and the hereafter. The word (maal) "مالِ" refers to wealth or possessions, encompassing all forms of material resources that we possess.

The phrase (ma qudiya bihi al-fard)

ما قُضِيَ بِهِ الفَرْضُ

translates to

that by which the obligatory is fulfilled.

Here, the term (al-fard) "الفَرْضُ" refers to the religious obligations that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has enjoined upon us. It includes acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage.

To understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177:

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

This verse highlights the importance of using our wealth for the benefit of others and fulfilling our religious obligations. It emphasizes that true righteousness lies in believing in Allah and His teachings, and then acting upon that belief by using our wealth to help those in need. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations but also attain righteousness in the sight of Allah.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Hashr, verse 9:

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home (i.e., Medina) 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 selflessness and generosity of the early Muslims in Medina. They loved and supported the immigrants who had left their homes for the sake of Allah. They did not feel any jealousy or desire for what the immigrants possessed, but rather, they gave preference to them over themselves. This exemplifies the spirit of using wealth for the benefit of others and fulfilling the obligations of brotherhood and compassion.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we understand that the true value of wealth lies not in its accumulation but in its utilization for the fulfillment of our religious obligations and the betterment of society. When we use our wealth to help those in need, support our families, and contribute to the well-being of our communities, we are not only fulfilling our obligations but also gaining immense rewards from Allah.

Furthermore, this Hadith reminds us of the importance of prioritizing our religious duties over worldly pursuits. It teaches us that the wealth we possess should be used in a manner that aligns with the principles of Islam and benefits both ourselves and others. By doing so, we attain true success in this life and the hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of using our wealth in a manner that fulfills our religious obligations. It reminds us that the most beneficial wealth is that which is used to fulfill the obligatory acts of worship and to support those in need. By aligning our wealth with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the early Muslims, we can attain righteousness and success in this life and the hereafter. May Allah guide us all to use our wealth wisely and in accordance with His commands.