Hadith #10046

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Indeed the best wealth is that by which the freeman is enthralled and [by which] reward is earned.

This Hadith highlights the concept of true wealth and its significance in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the meanings of some important words in this Hadith. The word (afdal) "أفضل" means the best or the most superior. (al-amwal) "الأموال" refers to wealth or possessions. (isturriq) "استرق" means to acquire or obtain. (hurr) "حر" refers to a freeman or a free person. (istahiqq) "استحق" means to deserve or earn. (ajr) "أجر" means reward.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that the material wealth of this world is temporary and transient. It is merely a means of amusement and competition. True wealth lies in the spiritual and moral values that enrich a person's character and benefit society. The wealth that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) refers to is not the accumulation of material possessions, but rather the acquisition of virtues and good deeds that elevate the soul and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) also says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155),

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse reminds us that wealth is not a measure of success or happiness in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Rather, it is through patience and steadfastness in times of difficulty and loss that true reward is earned.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that the best wealth is that which captivates a freeman. A freeman is not enslaved by material possessions, but rather by the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and righteousness. True wealth lies in the enrichment of the mind and the soul, in the acquisition of knowledge and the practice of virtues. It is this wealth that brings true freedom and fulfillment.

Furthermore, the Hadith highlights that this wealth also earns reward. The reward mentioned here refers to the eternal rewards in the Hereafter, which are far greater and more lasting than any material wealth in this world. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46),

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true wealth is not measured by material possessions, but by the enrichment of the mind, the acquisition of knowledge, and the practice of virtues. It is through these spiritual and moral values that a person truly becomes free and earns the eternal rewards from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May we all strive to attain this true wealth and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives.