Hadith #8457

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The disadvantage of poverty is more praiseworthy than the arrogant insolence of wealth.

This profound statement highlights the superiority of poverty over wealth when it comes to spiritual and moral virtues.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (darrar) "ضَرَرُ" refers to the disadvantage or harm caused by something. (al-faqr) "الفَقْرِ" means poverty, while (ashar) "أشَرِ" denotes the arrogant insolence or evil nature of something. Lastly, (al-ghina) "الغِنى" refers to wealth or affluence.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

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 emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah and seeking His sustenance, rather than relying solely on material wealth.

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

But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief.

This verse reminds us that the true value of wealth lies in using it for the betterment of ourselves and society, rather than indulging in arrogance and insolence.

Imam Ali's statement highlights the spiritual and moral advantages of poverty over wealth. Poverty can serve as a means of humility, gratitude, and reliance on Allah. It keeps a person grounded and prevents them from falling into the traps of arrogance and pride that often accompany wealth. Poverty can also foster a sense of empathy and compassion towards those who are less fortunate, leading to acts of charity and selflessness.

On the other hand, wealth can sometimes lead to arrogance, greed, and a false sense of self-sufficiency. It can blind individuals to the needs of others and create a sense of entitlement. This arrogance and insolence are condemned in Islam, as they go against the principles of humility, justice, and compassion.

Imam Ali's statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that material wealth should not be the sole measure of success or happiness. It is the state of one's heart, their character, and their relationship with Allah that truly matters. Poverty, when embraced with patience and gratitude, can lead to spiritual growth and closeness to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the spiritual advantages of poverty over wealth. It encourages us to embrace humility, gratitude, and reliance on Allah, rather than succumbing to the arrogance and insolence that wealth can bring. May we strive to embody these virtues and seek the true wealth of the Hereafter.