Hadith #9188

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, "الكريم يجمل الملكة" which translates to

The noble-minded person makes [his] ownership righteous.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (Al-Karim) "الكريم" refers to someone who possesses noble qualities, generosity, and honor. It signifies a person who is virtuous, magnanimous, and exhibits kindness towards others. The word (Yujmil) "يجمل" means to beautify, adorn, or embellish. And (Al-Mulkah) "الملكة" refers to ownership or possession.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:7),

Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors. For those who have believed among you and spent, there will be a great reward.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah and using our possessions for righteous purposes.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the need for seeking Allah's guidance and support in all our endeavors, including the way we handle our possessions.

Based on these Quranic verses, we can understand that the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that a noble-minded person not only possesses wealth or possessions but also utilizes them in a righteous manner. They recognize that their ownership is a trust from Allah and they strive to use it for the betterment of society and to fulfill their responsibilities as successors on this earth.

For example, a noble-minded person may use their wealth to support charitable causes, provide for the needy, and contribute to the development of their community. They understand that their possessions are a means to bring about positive change and alleviate the suffering of others. By doing so, they beautify and adorn their ownership with righteousness.

Moreover, a noble-minded person does not become attached to their possessions or allow them to become a source of arrogance or pride. They recognize that true honor lies in using their wealth and resources to serve Allah and His creation. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of humility and detachment from worldly possessions.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 us that while we should strive for the rewards of the Hereafter, we should not neglect our responsibilities in this world. A noble-minded person understands the balance between seeking the blessings of the Hereafter and fulfilling their duties in this life. They use their possessions to do good, avoid corruption, and contribute to the betterment of society.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that a noble-minded person is not only blessed with wealth or possessions but also possesses the wisdom and virtue to utilize them in a righteous manner. They recognize that their ownership is a trust from Allah and they strive to beautify it by using it for the benefit of others and fulfilling their responsibilities as successors on this earth. May Allah guide us all to be noble-minded individuals who use our possessions in a manner that pleases Him and brings about positive change in the world.