Hadith #10094

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who does not spend [his] wealth [in the way of Allah] has not been blessed with wealth.

This enlightening saying emphasizes the importance of spending one's wealth in the path of Allah and highlights the true essence of blessings that come with it.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (rizq) "رزق" refers to sustenance or provision, which includes not only material wealth but also encompasses blessings, knowledge, and opportunities. (maal) "مال" refers specifically to wealth or possessions. (yunfiqhu) "يُنفِقُهُ" means to spend or give away.

To comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of spending in His cause and the blessings that come with it. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:177)

Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it

This verse highlights the condition for attaining goodness and righteousness, which is to spend from what we love. It teaches us that true blessings come when we are willing to part with our wealth for the sake of Allah. By doing so, we demonstrate our trust in His provision and our commitment to fulfilling our responsibilities towards others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (57:11)

Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned

This verse emphasizes the concept of giving a loan to Allah, which signifies spending in His cause. It assures us that whatever we spend in His way will be multiplied and rewarded manifold.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It reminds us that wealth is not merely a possession to be hoarded, but a means to fulfill our obligations towards others and to seek the pleasure of Allah. When we spend our wealth in the way of Allah, we not only benefit those in need but also purify our souls and increase our blessings.

The consequences of not spending our wealth in the path of Allah are twofold. Firstly, it indicates a lack of gratitude and recognition of Allah's blessings upon us. By withholding our wealth, we fail to acknowledge that it is Allah who has bestowed it upon us in the first place. Secondly, it deprives us of the true blessings and barakah that come with spending in His cause. Our wealth becomes stagnant and devoid of any real value or benefit.

On the other hand, when we generously give in charity, support noble causes, and fulfill our financial obligations, we open the doors of abundance and blessings. Allah promises in the Quran, (2:272)

And whatever you spend of good - it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged

This verse assures us that whatever we spend in the way of Allah will be compensated and multiplied, both in this world and the Hereafter.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of using our wealth wisely and for the greater good. We should strive to be generous and selfless in our spending, seeking opportunities to alleviate the suffering of others and contribute to the betterment of society. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as Muslims but also invite the blessings and mercy of Allah into our lives.

May Allah grant us the understanding and ability to spend our wealth in His cause and bless us with true prosperity and contentment. Ameen.