Hadith #2314

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the significance of how we spend our wealth. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the two contrasting outcomes of spending money: one that leads to the greatest blessing and the other that leads to the greatest tribulation.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (infāq) "إنفاق" refers to spending or giving away wealth. It encompasses acts of charity, generosity, and fulfilling the needs of others. The word (māl) "مال" refers to wealth or possessions. It encompasses all forms of material resources that we possess.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that spending this wealth in obedience to Allah is the greatest blessing. This implies that when we use our wealth for acts of righteousness, such as giving to the poor, supporting charitable causes, or fulfilling the needs of our family and community, it becomes a means of attaining Allah's pleasure and blessings. Allah, in the Quran, encourages us to spend in His cause, promising manifold rewards and blessings:

(Quran 2:245)

Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.

(Quran 2:274)

Those who spend their wealth [in Allah's cause] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

On the other hand, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns that spending wealth in disobedience to Allah is the greatest tribulation. This implies that when we use our wealth for sinful purposes, such as indulging in extravagance, engaging in usury, or supporting unjust causes, it leads to spiritual and worldly hardships. Allah, in the Quran, cautions against spending wealth in sinful ways:

(Quran 17:26-27)

And do not spend wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful.

(Quran 4:10)

Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire. And they will be burned in a Blaze.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying serves as a reminder for Muslims to be mindful of how they spend their wealth. It urges us to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the impact they have on our spiritual well-being and the well-being of society as a whole.

When we spend our wealth in obedience to Allah, we contribute to the betterment of society, alleviate the suffering of others, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and compassion. This leads to a sense of fulfillment, contentment, and blessings from Allah. Conversely, when we spend our wealth in disobedience to Allah, we contribute to the corruption of society, perpetuate injustice, and distance ourselves from the mercy and blessings of Allah. This leads to a sense of emptiness, regret, and tribulations in this world and the Hereafter.

Therefore, as Muslims, we should strive to align our spending with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his purified progeny. We should be conscious of the impact our wealth can have and ensure that it is used in ways that bring about righteousness, justice, and compassion. By doing so, we can attain the greatest blessings and protect ourselves from the greatest tribulations. May Allah guide us all to spend our wealth wisely and in His obedience.