Hadith #4823

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) emphasizes the importance of moderation, foresight, and generosity in managing one's wealth. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith, exploring its underlying meanings and drawing connections to the teachings of the Quran.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) begins by advising us to shun extravagance and instead adopt a lifestyle of moderation and economizing. The word used in the Hadith for extravagance is (إسراف) "israf", which refers to excessive spending or wastefulness. The Imam encourages us to be mindful of our expenditures and avoid indulging in unnecessary luxuries. This teaching aligns with the Quranic principle of moderation, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31),

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to plan for the future by recalling today what we will need tomorrow. This highlights the importance of foresight and preparation in managing our resources. The word used in the Hadith for recalling is (اذكُرْ) "idhkur", which implies being mindful and aware of our future needs. This teaching resonates with the Quranic concept of planning and preparation, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hashr (59:18),

O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.

Moreover, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to hold on to wealth only to the extent of our necessity. This teaches us the importance of prioritizing our needs and avoiding excessive accumulation of wealth. The word used in the Hadith for necessity is (ضَرُورَةِكَ) "darurat", which refers to essential requirements. This teaching aligns with the Quranic principle of moderation in wealth, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:29),

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and thereby become blamed and insolvent.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to send forth the surplus of our wealth for the day when we will need it. This emphasizes the importance of generosity and sharing our blessings with others. By doing so, we not only fulfill the rights of those in need but also safeguard our own future. This teaching resonates with the Quranic principle of charity and generosity, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261),

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with invaluable guidance on managing our wealth. It emphasizes the importance of moderation, foresight, and generosity in our financial affairs. By adopting these teachings, we can lead a balanced and fulfilling life, both in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to implement these teachings in our lives and bless us with prosperity and contentment.