Hadith #6429

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he poses a thought-provoking question, asking,

Where is the one who accumulated and increased, and stored and amassed, and considered the future of his son?

This Hadith is a call to reflect upon the true purpose of wealth and possessions in this world, and the responsibility that comes with them.

Let us delve into the important words used in this Hadith. The word (accumulated) "جَمَعَ" refers to the act of gathering or collecting wealth and possessions. It signifies the acquisition of material wealth through various means. The word (increased) "أكْثَرَ" emphasizes the act of multiplying and growing one's wealth, indicating a continuous effort to amass more and more.

The word (stored) "احْتَقَبَ" implies the act of hoarding or keeping wealth hidden away, away from the eyes of others. It suggests a sense of possessiveness and attachment to material possessions. Similarly, the word (amassed) "اعْتَقَدَ" signifies the act of accumulating wealth to such an extent that it becomes a burden, weighing heavily on the individual.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then asks about those who consider the future of their sons. This refers to individuals who are solely focused on accumulating wealth for the sake of securing a prosperous future for their children. It highlights the mindset of those who prioritize material wealth over other aspects of life.

To understand the deeper meaning behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah At-Takathur (102:1-2),

The mutual rivalry for piling up (the good things of this world) diverts you until you visit the graves.

This verse reminds us that our obsession with accumulating wealth and possessions can distract us from the true purpose of life and the inevitability of death.

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

And We made the son of Mary and his mother a sign and sheltered them within a high ground having level [areas] and flowing water.

This verse highlights the example of Prophet Jesus (Isa) and his mother Mary, who were provided with sustenance and shelter by Allah without the need for excessive accumulation of wealth.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we understand that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is cautioning us against becoming consumed by the pursuit of material wealth. He urges us to consider the consequences of our actions and the impact they have on our spiritual well-being. The accumulation of wealth should not be an end in itself, but rather a means to fulfill our responsibilities towards ourselves, our families, and society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) invites us to ponder the purpose of wealth and possessions in light of our ultimate goal, which is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). True success lies not in the accumulation of worldly possessions, but in utilizing our wealth for the betterment of society, supporting those in need, and investing in our spiritual growth.

In conclusion, this Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between worldly pursuits and spiritual obligations. It encourages us to reassess our priorities and align them with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to use our wealth and possessions in a manner that pleases Him and benefits humanity.