Hadith #10039

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 recognizing the true value of wealth and its purpose. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily your wealth is for the one who praises you in your lifetime and the one who vilifies you after your death.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith. The word (your wealth) "مالَكَ" refers to the material possessions and resources that one accumulates in their lifetime. It encompasses not only monetary wealth but also includes assets, properties, and possessions. The word (for the one who praises you) "لِحامِدِكَ" signifies the individual who recognizes and acknowledges the good deeds, qualities, and contributions of a person during their lifetime. This praise can manifest in various forms, such as expressing gratitude, acknowledging achievements, or admiring virtuous qualities.

On the other hand, the word (the one who vilifies you) "ذامِّكَ" refers to those who speak ill of a person, defame their character, or spread false accusations after their death. This vilification can stem from envy, personal grudges, or a lack of understanding of the person's true worth.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Imran (3:185), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has attained [his desire]. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse reminds us that the true reward and compensation for our actions will be given in the Hereafter. The material wealth and possessions we accumulate in this worldly life are merely temporary and illusory. What truly matters is the way we are remembered and the impact we leave behind.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of recognizing the value of one's wealth beyond its material aspect. It emphasizes the significance of the way we are perceived and remembered by others. The one who praises us in our lifetime acknowledges our positive contributions, virtues, and good deeds. This recognition not only brings joy and contentment in this life but also serves as a means of attaining a higher status in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Conversely, the one who vilifies us after our death fails to recognize our true worth and disregards the positive impact we may have had on others. This vilification not only tarnishes our reputation but also reflects a lack of understanding and appreciation for the efforts we made during our lifetime.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating a positive reputation and leaving a lasting legacy. Our wealth, in its true essence, lies in the way we are remembered by others. It is not merely about the accumulation of material possessions but rather about the impact we have on the lives of others and the contributions we make to society.

As Muslims, we should strive to be individuals who are praised for their good deeds, virtues, and contributions during our lifetime. We should aim to leave behind a positive legacy that continues to benefit others even after our departure from this world. By doing so, we not only attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also inspire others to follow in our footsteps and strive for excellence.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the true value of wealth and guide us to use it in ways that bring benefit and blessings to ourselves and others. May He enable us to leave behind a positive legacy that continues to inspire and benefit generations to come. Ameen.