The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Not to wish to be the like of except the like of two (persons): a man whom Allah has given the knowledge of the Qur'an and he recites it during the hours of the night and the hours of the day; and a man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it (in Allah's Cause) during the hours of the night and during the hours of the day."
Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed)
Sahih al-Bukhari 7529
Exposition of the Hadith
This noble hadith directs the believer's aspiration toward two praiseworthy examples: the scholar who acts upon his knowledge and the wealthy who spend in obedience to Allah. Both utilize their blessings in continuous worship, by night and day.
The first is given knowledge of the Qur'an - not merely its recitation but its comprehension and implementation. His recitation encompasses both night and day, indicating constancy in devotion and the application of divine guidance in all affairs.
The second is granted wealth which he disburses in lawful channels of charity and good causes. His spending is not occasional but persistent, demonstrating that his wealth is a trust from Allah to be used in His service.
Scholarly Commentary
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this hadith encourages emulation of those who utilize blessings properly. The prohibition against wishing to be like others except these two prevents envy and directs ambition toward righteous competition.
Al-Qurtubi notes that these two examples represent the best use of knowledge and wealth - the two greatest blessings after faith itself. Their continuous service by night and day indicates sincerity and devotion that transcends mere ritual.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali observes that the combination of knowledge and action in the first example, and wealth and expenditure in the second, demonstrates that true blessing lies not in possession but in proper utilization for Allah's pleasure.
Practical Application
The believer should aspire to be among these two categories: either a scholar who acts upon knowledge or a benefactor who spends righteously. If one possesses both knowledge and wealth, his virtue is greater still.
This teaching redirects human nature from worldly competition to spiritual excellence, transforming potentially destructive envy into constructive emulation of righteous examples.