Hadith #1484

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) urges Muslims to hasten in performing acts of goodness with their wealth before their deaths approach. The words used in this Hadith hold significant meanings that require our attention.

The first important word in this Hadith is (bādirū) "بادِرُوا", which means to hasten or to be quick in doing something. It emphasizes the urgency and importance of taking action promptly. This word highlights the need for Muslims to seize the opportunity to utilize their wealth for good deeds without delay.

The second word is (amwālikum) "أمْوالِكُمْ", which refers to one's wealth or possessions. It encompasses all forms of material resources that a person possesses, including money, property, and assets. This word emphasizes the broad scope of what can be used to perform acts of goodness.

The third word is (qabla) "قَبْلَ", which means before or prior to. It signifies the need for Muslims to prioritize and give precedence to performing acts of goodness with their wealth over other matters. This word highlights the importance of seizing the opportunity in the present moment and not delaying acts of goodness.

The fourth word is (hulūl) "حُلُولِ", which means the arrival or approach of something. In this context, it refers to the approach of death. This word reminds Muslims of the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. It serves as a reminder that time is limited, and one should not procrastinate in performing acts of goodness.

The fifth word is (ājālikum) "آجالِكُمْ", which means your appointed times or the predetermined periods of your lives. It refers to the specific time when death will come upon each individual. This word emphasizes the uncertainty of life and the need to seize the opportunity to perform acts of goodness before it is too late.

The Hadith then mentions the outcomes of hastening to perform acts of goodness with one's wealth. It states that doing so will (tuzakkikum) "تُزَكِّكُمْ", which means it will purify you. This purification refers to the spiritual purification of the soul, as acts of goodness cleanse one's heart from impurities and sins. The Quran supports this concept in Surah Al-Tawbah, verse 103, where it says,

Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.

Furthermore, the Hadith states that hastening in performing acts of goodness will (tuslihukum) "تُصْلِحْكُمْ", which means it will set you aright or rectify you. This rectification refers to the improvement and betterment of one's character and conduct. By utilizing wealth for good deeds, individuals develop a sense of responsibility, generosity, and empathy, which leads to personal growth and moral development. The Quran supports this idea in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 277, where it says,

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

Lastly, the Hadith states that hastening in performing acts of goodness with one's wealth will (tuzlifkum) "تُزْلِفْكُمْ", which means it will bring you closer [to Allah]. This closeness refers to the spiritual proximity and connection with Allah. When individuals utilize their wealth for the sake of Allah and for the benefit of others, they strengthen their bond with the Creator and increase their chances of attaining His pleasure. The Quran supports this concept in Surah Al-Isra, verse 79, where it says,

And from the night, arise for prayer as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges Muslims to hasten in performing acts of goodness with their wealth before their deaths approach. It highlights the urgency and importance of utilizing one's wealth for good deeds, as it purifies the soul, sets one aright, and brings them closer to Allah. This Hadith serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the need to seize the opportunity to perform acts of goodness before it is too late. May Allah guide us all to utilize our wealth for the betterment of ourselves and society, and may He grant us the ability to hasten in performing acts of goodness.