Hadith #3858

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Mani staqalla minad-dunya, istakthara mimma yuminuhu.

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who seeks less of this world gains more of that which keeps him secure [in the Hereafter].

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word "istaqalla" comes from the root "qalla," which means "to decrease" or "to seek less." It implies a deliberate choice to detach oneself from the materialistic pursuits of this world. "Dunya" refers to the temporal world, with its transient pleasures and distractions. "Istakthara" means "to gain more" or "to increase." And "yuminuhu" means

that which keeps him secure

or

that which brings him faith and tranquility.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the fleeting nature of this world and the importance of focusing on the eternal life of the Hereafter. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah says, (Quran 18:45)

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

This verse highlights the temporary nature of worldly possessions and pleasures. Just as rainwater nourishes the earth and brings forth vegetation, the blessings of this world may seem enticing and fulfilling. However, they eventually wither away, leaving behind nothing but remnants. Therefore, those who seek less of this world and detach themselves from its allurements are the ones who truly gain.

Another verse that resonates with the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah says, (Quran 42:20)

Whoever desires the harvest of the Hereafter - We increase for him in his harvest. And whoever desires the harvest of this world - We give him thereof, but there is not for him in the Hereafter any share.

This verse emphasizes that those who prioritize the Hereafter over the worldly gains are the ones who will be granted abundance in the eternal life. By seeking less of this world, they are able to focus on actions and deeds that bring them closer to Allah and secure their place in Paradise. On the other hand, those who solely pursue the transient pleasures of this world will find themselves devoid of any share in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to reflect upon our priorities and the choices we make in our daily lives. It reminds us that true security and contentment lie in seeking the pleasure of Allah and investing in the Hereafter. By seeking less of this world, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of material possessions and worldly desires. This detachment allows us to focus on cultivating our faith, performing good deeds, and nurturing our relationship with Allah.

When we detach ourselves from the materialistic aspects of this world, we become less susceptible to its distractions and temptations. We are able to channel our time, energy, and resources towards endeavors that have lasting value. This can include acts of charity, seeking knowledge, supporting the needy, and striving for justice and righteousness. By seeking less of this world, we gain more opportunities to engage in actions that bring us closer to Allah and strengthen our faith.

Moreover, seeking less of this world enables us to develop a mindset of gratitude and contentment. We learn to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah and recognize that true happiness lies in the spiritual realm, rather than in the accumulation of material possessions. This mindset allows us to find peace and tranquility in our hearts, regardless of our worldly circumstances.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of seeking less of this world in order to gain more of that which brings us security in the Hereafter. By detaching ourselves from the transient pleasures and distractions of this world, we are able to focus on actions that have eternal value and bring us closer to Allah. Let us strive to prioritize the Hereafter over the temporary allurements of this world, and may Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to seek that which truly matters.