Hadith #291

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

I am the ya'sub (leader) of the believers, while wealth is the leader of the wicked.

The word "ya'sub" in Arabic refers to a leader or a guide. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is proclaiming his position as the leader of the believers, while highlighting the corrupting influence of wealth when it becomes the leader of the wicked.

To understand the depth and significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of following righteous leaders and warns against the destructive nature of wealth when it becomes the guiding force for the wicked.

In Surah Al-Nisa (4:59), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.

This verse highlights the importance of following the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the leaders appointed by Allah. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was appointed by the Prophet (ﷺ) as his successor and the leader of the believers, making his position as the ya'sub of the believers unquestionable.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the allure of wealth and its corrupting influence. The verse states,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of the Hereafter over worldly possessions. It cautions against becoming obsessed with wealth and allowing it to lead one astray from the path of righteousness. When wealth becomes the guiding force for the wicked, it can lead to corruption and injustice in society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims about the importance of following righteous leaders and not allowing wealth to corrupt their hearts and actions. He exemplified this principle throughout his life, as he was known for his piety, justice, and selflessness. His knowledge and wisdom were unparalleled, and he used his position of leadership to guide the believers towards righteousness and justice.

The consequences of disregarding the guidance of righteous leaders and allowing wealth to become the leader of the wicked are evident in history and in contemporary society. When individuals prioritize personal gain over the well-being of others, corruption, oppression, and injustice prevail. This Hadith serves as a call to Muslims to reflect on their own actions and to ensure that they are following the path of righteousness and justice, guided by leaders like Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights his position as the ya'sub of the believers and warns against the corrupting influence of wealth when it becomes the leader of the wicked. By referring to the Quran, we see the importance of following righteous leaders and the dangers of allowing wealth to lead one astray. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of righteousness and justice, guided by leaders like Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and to be cautious of the corrupting influence of wealth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the path of righteousness and protect us from the temptations of wealth.