Hadith #6427

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, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) questions the mentality of those who hoard and accumulate wealth without any regard for the needs of others. The Imam asks,

Where is the one who stored and amassed, and accumulated wealth upon wealth thereby multiplying it?

Let us delve into the words of this hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (iddakhara) "ادَّخَرَ" means to store or hoard, while (wa'ataqada) "واعْتَقَدَ" means to amass or accumulate. The phrase (jama'a al-mala 'ala al-mal)

جَمَعَ المالَ عَلَى المالِ

refers to the act of accumulating wealth upon wealth, without any intention of sharing or using it for the greater good.

To comprehend the significance of this hadith, we must turn to the Quran, which provides us with guidance on wealth and its purpose. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:7):

And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler - so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you.

This verse emphasizes the importance of distributing wealth to those in need, including the Prophet (ﷺ), his family, orphans, and travelers. It highlights the responsibility of the wealthy to share their resources and prevent the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few individuals.

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

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 reminds us that wealth is a blessing from Allah, and we should use it wisely and responsibly, seeking His guidance in its acquisition and distribution.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) question challenges those who accumulate wealth without considering the needs of others. He questions the motivation behind such actions and highlights the consequences of this mentality.

The Imam's question serves as a reflection on the nature of wealth and its purpose in Islam. Hoarding wealth and accumulating it without any intention of sharing or using it for the betterment of society goes against the teachings of the Quran and the principles of justice and compassion.

When individuals amass wealth solely for personal gain, they contribute to the widening gap between the rich and the poor, leading to social inequality and injustice. This accumulation of wealth can also lead to arrogance, greed, and a detachment from the struggles and needs of the less fortunate.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, urges Muslims to reflect on their relationship with wealth and to prioritize the well-being of others over personal accumulation. He encourages us to use our resources to alleviate the suffering of those in need and to work towards a more equitable and just society.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to critically examine their attitudes towards wealth and to prioritize the welfare of others over personal accumulation. It calls upon us to emulate the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of sharing and distributing wealth to create a just and compassionate society. May Allah guide us all to use our wealth in a manner that pleases Him and benefits humanity.