Hadith #10025

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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:

Al-mal yarfa'u sahibahu fi'd-dunya wayada'u hu fi'l-akhirah.

This Hadith highlights the consequences of wealth in this world and the Hereafter. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "mal" in Arabic refers to wealth or material possessions. It encompasses both tangible and intangible assets, such as money, property, and possessions. The word "yarfa'u" means to elevate or raise, indicating that wealth has the potential to elevate its possessor in this worldly life. It can bring about social status, power, and influence. However, the Hadith also states that wealth "yada'u" its possessor in the Hereafter, meaning it lowers or debases them.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:15) that the worldly life is merely a temporary enjoyment, and true success lies in the Hereafter. He says,

Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.

In Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions, stating,

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.

These verses remind us that wealth is a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It can either be a means of elevation or a source of downfall, depending on how it is acquired and utilized. If wealth is acquired through lawful means and used for the betterment of oneself and others, it can be a means of elevating one's status in this world and the Hereafter. However, if wealth becomes an obsession and is amassed through unethical or unjust means, it can lead to arrogance, greed, and neglect of one's spiritual obligations.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us about the consequences of hoarding wealth and turning away from the remembrance of Allah. He says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions. He highlights the importance of prioritizing the Hereafter over the temporary gains of this world. The consequences of wealth in the Hereafter are not limited to the loss of material possessions, but also include the potential loss of spiritual growth and the neglect of fulfilling one's obligations towards Allah and His creation.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded to strike a balance between worldly pursuits and spiritual obligations. We should utilize our wealth in ways that benefit ourselves and others, while constantly seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we can elevate our status in this world and secure a place of honor in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to use our wealth wisely and guide us towards actions that elevate us in this world and the Hereafter. Ameen.