Hadith #10100

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who accumulates wealth so that he can benefit people [with it] is obeyed by them and one who accumulates [it] for himself is disregarded by them.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of intention and purpose behind wealth accumulation. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its connotation in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (accumulates) "jama'a", (wealth) "mal", (benefit) "yanfa'a", (obeyed) "ata'a", and (disregarded) "ada'a". The word "jama'a" implies the act of gathering or accumulating something. In this context, it refers to the accumulation of wealth. "Mal" refers to material possessions and wealth. "Yanfa'a" means to benefit or bring about advantage. "Ata'a" means to obey or follow someone, while "ada'a" means to disregard or ignore someone.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:9):

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home (i.e., Medina) and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the virtue of selflessness and generosity. The believers in Medina, who had settled there before the emigrants, loved and preferred the emigrants over themselves, even though they were in need themselves. Their hearts were free from the stinginess of the soul, and they prioritized the well-being of others over their own. This exemplifies the essence of the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), where wealth accumulation is encouraged for the purpose of benefiting others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending in the way of Allah and doing good deeds. It encourages believers to utilize their wealth for the betterment of society and to avoid hoarding or accumulating wealth solely for personal gain.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder that the purpose of wealth accumulation should be to benefit others. When one accumulates wealth with the intention of using it to help and support those in need, they are respected and obeyed by the people. Their wealth becomes a means of influence and authority, as they are seen as selfless individuals who prioritize the welfare of others.

On the other hand, if one accumulates wealth solely for personal gain and disregards the needs of others, they are disregarded by the people. Their wealth loses its value and significance, as it is seen as a symbol of selfishness and greed. Such individuals are not respected or obeyed by the community, as their intentions and actions do not align with the teachings of Islam.

This Hadith highlights the importance of intention and purpose in our actions, particularly in relation to wealth accumulation. It teaches us that true success lies in utilizing our wealth to benefit others and prioritize the well-being of the community. By doing so, we not only earn the respect and obedience of the people but also attain the pleasure and blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith in our lives. We should seek opportunities to use our wealth and resources to benefit those in need, whether through charity, supporting educational initiatives, or providing for the less fortunate. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as believers but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to accumulate wealth with the intention of benefiting others. May He bless us with the means to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. Ameen.