Hadith #7421

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Knowledge that does not reform you is misguidance and wealth that does not benefit you is a curse.

This enlightening saying highlights the importance of seeking knowledge that leads to positive transformation and utilizing wealth in a beneficial manner.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (knowledge) "عِلْمٌ" refers to acquiring information, understanding, and wisdom. It encompasses both religious and worldly knowledge. The word (reform you) "يُصْلِحُكَ" implies that knowledge should have a transformative effect on an individual, leading them to improve their character, actions, and relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). On the other hand, the word (misguidance) "ضَلالٌ" signifies being led astray from the right path, losing sight of the truth, and deviating from the teachings of Islam.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:56),

Indeed, you [O Muhammad] do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the [rightly] guided.

This verse emphasizes that true guidance comes from Allah alone. Hence, any knowledge that does not lead to righteousness and adherence to the teachings of Islam is considered misguidance.

Additionally, the Quran highlights the importance of seeking beneficial knowledge. In Surah Al-Zumar (39:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Are those who know equal to those who do not know?

This verse emphasizes the superiority of those who possess knowledge over those who are ignorant. However, it is crucial to understand that the true value of knowledge lies in its practical application and positive impact on an individual's life.

The second part of the Hadith focuses on wealth and its potential benefits or harms. The word (wealth) "مَالٌ" refers to material possessions, resources, and financial assets. The word (benefit you) "يَنْفَعُكَ" implies that wealth should be utilized in a manner that brings about advantages, both for oneself and for others. Conversely, the word (curse) "بَالٌ" signifies a state of deprivation, loss, and negativity.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us of the temporary nature of worldly possessions and the importance of using wealth for righteous purposes. In Surah Al-Tawbah (9:34), Allah says,

O you who have believed, indeed many of the scholars and the monks devour the wealth of people unjustly and avert [them] from the way of Allah. And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah - give them tidings of a painful punishment.

This verse warns against the accumulation of wealth without fulfilling the obligations of charity and spending in the cause of Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to seek knowledge that brings about positive change in their lives and to utilize wealth in a manner that benefits both themselves and society. It encourages us to reflect on the purpose of knowledge and wealth, reminding us that they are blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) that should be used wisely and in accordance with His guidance.

By understanding and implementing the teachings of this Hadith, Muslims can strive for personal growth, contribute to the betterment of society, and ultimately seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to acquire beneficial knowledge and use our wealth in a manner that brings about blessings and rewards in this world and the Hereafter.