30/1. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 3613 — What Truly Remains of Your Wealth
It Is Disliked To Delay Making A Will
Real Wealth in Islam: Eat, Wear, or Send It Ahead
Sunan an-Nasai : 3613
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 3613
أَخْبَرَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ مُطَرِّفٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " {أَلْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ * حَتَّى زُرْتُمُ الْمَقَابِرَ} قَالَ يَقُولُ ابْنُ آدَمَ مَالِي مَالِي وَإِنَّمَا مَالُكَ مَا أَكَلْتَ فَأَفْنَيْتَ أَوْ لَبِسْتَ فَأَبْلَيْتَ أَوْ تَصَدَّقْتَ فَأَمْضَيْتَ ".
It was narrated from Mutarrif, from his father, that the Prophet said: "The mutual rivalry (for piling up of worldly things) diverts you, 'Until you visit the graves (i.e. till you die).' The son of Adam says: 'My wealth, my wealth,' but your wealth is what you eat and consume, or what you wear and it wears out, or what you give in charity and send on ahead (for the Hereafter).'"
[1] At-Takâthur 102:1-2.Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 3613In-book reference : Book 30, Hadith 3English translation : Vol. 4, Book 30, Hadith 3643
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 3613
This hadith explains the temporary nature of worldly wealth. It begins with the verses warning that rivalry in accumulating more distracts people until they reach the graves. A person repeatedly says, my wealth, my wealth, but the Prophet explains what actually becomes of it. Food is eaten and consumed. Clothing is worn and eventually becomes worn out. What is given in charity is sent ahead. The hadith does not praise endless collection simply because a person can call something his own. It directs attention to the actual outcome of possessions. Some wealth meets immediate needs and then disappears through use. Charity, however, is described as something a person puts forward rather than leaves unused behind.
What we learn from this hadith
- Competition in collecting worldly things can distract a person until death.
- Food and clothing provide temporary use and are eventually consumed or worn out.
- Charity is described as wealth that is sent ahead.
- Calling something my wealth does not mean it will remain permanently.
