Hadith #1623

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the concept of communal ownership and the responsibility of Muslims towards the wealth of the community. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that the wealth does not belong to him or to any individual, but rather it belongs to the Muslims as a whole. This highlights the importance of collective welfare and the obligation to utilize resources for the benefit of the entire Muslim community.

The word (wealth) "مال" mentioned in the Hadith refers to material possessions and resources. It encompasses all forms of wealth, including money, property, and assets. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) clarifies that this wealth is not meant for personal accumulation or individual ownership, but rather it is for the Muslims collectively. This highlights the principle of communal ownership and the concept of the ummah as a unified body.

The phrase (obtaining their weapons) "جَلْبُ أسيافِهمْ" indicates that the purpose of this wealth is to acquire the necessary means of defense for the Muslim community. It emphasizes the importance of self-defense and the protection of the Muslim ummah. This aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the right of self-defense and the obligation to protect oneself and the community from any harm or aggression.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in the Quran, (Quran 8:60)

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy and others besides them whom you do not know [but] whom Allah knows.

This verse highlights the importance of equipping oneself with the necessary means of defense to deter potential threats and protect the Muslim community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that if one participates in the war alongside the Muslims, then they become a partner in that war. This highlights the concept of collective responsibility and the obligation to support and defend the Muslim community in times of conflict. By actively participating in the defense of the ummah, one shares the burden and the consequences of the war.

On the other hand, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that if someone does not participate in the war and does not contribute to the defense of the community, they cannot claim a share in the spoils of war or the resources acquired through the efforts of others. This emphasizes the principle of fairness and justice in the distribution of resources and highlights the importance of active participation and contribution towards the welfare and defense of the Muslim community.

This Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize the collective welfare of the ummah over personal gain. It encourages Muslims to actively participate in the defense of the community and contribute towards the acquisition of necessary resources for the protection and well-being of the Muslim community as a whole.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to understand and implement the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives. May He grant us the wisdom and strength to work together for the betterment of the Muslim ummah and the establishment of justice and peace in the world.