Hadith #378

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.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises his son to not leave anything of this world behind, as it can have two different outcomes depending on how it is used by others. The Imam explains that when we leave behind worldly possessions, they can either be used by someone who will use them in obedience to Allah, thus acquiring virtue through what was once considered evil for us, or they can be used by someone who will use them in disobedience to Allah, thus earning evil with what we collected for them. In the latter case, we would be assisting them in their sinful actions.

This hadith highlights the importance of being mindful of how our wealth and possessions are used after we pass away. It reminds us that our actions in this world have consequences, not only for ourselves but also for those who come after us. It emphasizes the need to strive for righteousness and to leave behind a positive legacy that benefits others.

The Imam's advice is rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of using wealth and possessions in a manner that pleases Allah. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195),

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah warns against using wealth in disobedience to Him, saying,

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.

These verses highlight the importance of using wealth and possessions in a manner that is pleasing to Allah. They remind us that our actions in this world have consequences, both in this life and in the hereafter. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of how we acquire and use our wealth, ensuring that it is in obedience to Allah and for the betterment of ourselves and others.

Imam Ali's advice also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the eternal rewards of the hereafter. It encourages us to detach ourselves from worldly possessions and to prioritize the pursuit of righteousness and the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder of the importance of using our wealth and possessions in a manner that is pleasing to Allah. It emphasizes the need to be mindful of how our actions and choices can impact others, both in this life and in the hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom and guidance to use our wealth and possessions in a manner that earns His pleasure and benefits ourselves and others.