Explanation of the Hadith “Take advantage of five things before five...”
Question
I need an explanation on the following Hadith on riches before poverty, taking benefit of wealth before you become poor. Does this mean don’t waste? Does this mean to spend on one's family? Does this mean to spend on the poor? On which area is the Hadith emphasizing?
Ibn Abbas (radhiyallhu anhuma) reported: The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu alaihi wasallam, said, “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your riches before your poverty, your free time before your work, and your life before your death.”
Answer
It has all the meanings. The primary meaning is that you should appreciate these things. This means that you should appreciate the time, opportunities and blessings of Allah Ta`ala and take maximum benefit of them to secure your hereafter.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
- Answered by
- Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
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