Hadith #10044

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

Verily the best wealth is that which earns praise and gratitude and brings about reward and recompense.

This beautiful saying highlights the true essence of wealth and its ultimate value in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (wealth) "مال" refers to material possessions and resources that one possesses. It encompasses not only monetary wealth but also includes any valuable assets or possessions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the best type of wealth is one that earns (praise) "ثَناءً" and (gratitude) "شُكْراً". This implies that wealth should be acquired through lawful means and used in a manner that is praiseworthy and beneficial to others.

The Quran supports this notion in several verses. In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 highlights the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah and entering and leaving any financial transaction with integrity and righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending from the good and lawful earnings, as well as the need to avoid spending from ill-gotten wealth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also mentions that the best wealth brings about (reward) "ثَواباً" and (recompense) "أجْراً". This implies that wealth should be utilized in ways that earn rewards and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This can be achieved by engaging in acts of charity, helping those in need, and investing in endeavors that bring about positive change in society.

The Quran provides numerous examples of the rewards and blessings associated with spending in the way of Allah. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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.

This verse illustrates the immense rewards that await those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah.

Moreover, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:18), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.

This verse highlights the concept of lending to Allah by spending in His cause, and the promise of multiplied rewards for such acts of charity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) amazing Hadith reminds us that true wealth lies not in the accumulation of material possessions, but in the manner in which we acquire and utilize our resources. It emphasizes the importance of earning wealth through lawful means, using it in a praiseworthy manner, and seeking rewards and blessings from Allah through acts of charity and righteousness. By aligning our wealth with the teachings of the Quran, we can attain true prosperity and spiritual fulfillment. May Allah guide us all to the path of righteousness and bless us with wealth that brings about praise, gratitude, reward, and recompense.