37/8. Chapter:
Sunan Ibn Majah 4131 — The Wealthiest and Accountability
The most wealthy
Hadith About the Wealthiest Being Lowest Except Those Who Give
Sunan Ibn Majah : 4131
Sunan Ibn MajahHadith Number 4131
حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ حَكِيمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ سَعِيدٍ الْقَطَّانُ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَجْلاَنَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " الأَكْثَرُونَ هُمُ الأَسْفَلُونَ إِلاَّ مَنْ قَالَ هَكَذَا وَهَكَذَا وَهَكَذَا " . ثَلاَثًا .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The wealthiest will be the lowest, except one who does such and such,’ three things.”
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 4131In-book reference : Book 37, Hadith 32English translation : Vol. 5, Book 37, Hadith 4131
Summary of Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 4131
This narration repeats a strong warning about wealth. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said that the wealthiest will be the lowest, except one who does such and such, mentioned three times. The wording does not give all the details in the translation, but the repeated phrase shows an exception for using wealth in a giving way. This hadith about rich people and charity reminds us that wealth is not only a blessing to enjoy. It also brings a test. A person with much wealth should think about how it is used. The text points away from proud ownership and toward active giving. In simple terms, money should not control the heart or stay only with the owner.
What we learn from this hadith
- The hadith gives a serious warning to the wealthiest.
- There is an exception for those who use wealth in a giving way.
- Having more money can bring more responsibility.
- A believer should not let wealth become a reason for low standing.
