In this poignant advice from Imam Ali (as) to his son al-Hasan (as), he emphasizes the futility of accumulating worldly possessions without purpose. This statement serves as a profound reminder of the moral responsibilities associated with wealth and material goods, urging awareness of how one's possessions may impact others after one's departure from this world.

الإمام علي (عليه السَّلام):

وقال لابنه الحسن: يا بُنَيَّ لاَ تُخَلِّفَنَّ وَرَاءَكَ شَيْئاً مِنَ الدُّنْيَا، فَإِنَّكَ تُخَلِّفُهُ لاِحَدِ رَجُلَيْنِ: إِمَّا رَجُلٍ عَمِلَ فِيهِ بِطَاعَةِ اللهِ فَسَعِدَ بِمَا شَقِيتَ بِهِ، وَإِمَّا رَجُلٍ عَمِلَ فِيهِ بِمَعْصِيَةِ اللهِ فَشَقِيَ بِمَا جَمَعْتَ لَهُ فَكُنْتَ عَوْناً لَهُ عَلى مَعْصِيَتِهِ، وَلَيْسَ أَحَدُ هذَيْنِ حَقِيقاً أَنْ تُؤْثِرَهُ عَلَىُ نَفْسِكَ

Imam Ali (as):

Imam Ali (AS) said to his son al-Hasan (as): O my son, do not leave anything of this world behind you, as it could fall into the hands of two types of people: Either a person who uses it in obeying Allah, in which case, he will acquire virtue through what was evil for you, or it will be a person who uses it in disobeying Allah and in that case he will be earning evil with what you collected for him and so you will be assisting him in his sinfulness; and neither of these two deserves to be preferred by you over yourself.

1. The Nature of Worldly Possessions
   Imam Ali (as) advises against leaving behind worldly possessions, noting that others will inevitably use them. This reflects the transient nature of material wealth and the need to consider its ultimate fate.
2. Two Types of Recipients
   The Imam outlines two potential outcomes for what one leaves behind:
   • The Righteous User: If the possessions are used by someone who obeys Allah, they will gain virtue and blessings from what was left behind. The original owner may find this disheartening, since they struggled to acquire it.
   • The Sinful User: Conversely, if the possessions fall into the hands of someone who disobeys Allah, the original owner unwittingly becomes an accomplice in that person’s sin, as their accumulated wealth contributes to wrongdoing.
3. Personal Responsibility
   The Imam emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in how one uses their wealth. This is a call to consider the ethical implications of one's possessions and the impact they may have on the actions of others.
4. Self-Priority in Righteousness
   The closing remark suggests that neither of these outcomes should be preferred over one's own spiritual well-being. The emphasis is on prioritizing one’s faith and righteousness over the accumulation of material wealth that could benefit others, especially if that benefit leads to disobedience to Allah.

Practical Implications

• Mindful Accumulation of Wealth: Reflect on the purpose behind your financial pursuits. Strive to acquire wealth with the intention of using it for good, such as charitable deeds or supporting family in ways that align with Islamic values.
• Charitable Giving: Consider donating possessions or wealth that you do not need during your lifetime. This ensures that your resources are used in a manner pleasing to Allah, rather than leaving them for uncertain use after your passing.
• Educate on the Ethical Use of Wealth: Encourage family and friends to understand the importance of using wealth ethically. Discuss the consequences of both righteous and sinful uses of wealth to foster a community that values moral responsibility.
• Focus on Spiritual Legacy: Instead of solely focusing on material inheritance, emphasize the significance of a spiritual legacy. Teach your children and loved ones about the values of faith, compassion, and ethical living.
• Reflect on Your Actions: Regularly assess how your actions and possessions align with your values. Ensure that your efforts to accumulate wealth do not compromise your integrity or empower wrongdoing.

Conclusion
Imam Ali’s (as) advice to his son al-Hasan (as) serves as a profound reminder of the ethical implications of wealth and the responsibilities associated with material possessions. By encouraging mindfulness in how we acquire and let go of worldly goods, the Imam underscores the importance of prioritizing righteousness and personal integrity over the transient allure of material wealth. This teaching inspires believers to focus on their spiritual legacy, ensuring that their resources contribute positively to society and reflect their faith and moral values. Ultimately, it encourages a life lived with purpose, where one's actions align with the principles of Islam.