Hadith #6133

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us against coveting that which is beyond our needs, as it can lead to being overwhelmed by the desire for more. Let us delve into the profound wisdom contained within this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (tutmi'anna) "تُطْمِعَنَّ" which means "let yourself covet" and (fawqa al-kafaaf) "فَوْقَ الكَفافِ" which translates to

that which is above your needs.

It is important to note that Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is cautioning us against allowing our desires to exceed our necessities.

This teaching aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of moderation and contentment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31),

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against covetousness and the desire for more, stating,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder for Muslims to be content with what Allah has provided for them. It encourages us to focus on our needs rather than constantly striving for more, as this can lead to spiritual and material imbalance.

When we covet that which is beyond our needs, we become consumed by the desire for more, which can have detrimental effects on our well-being. It can lead to greed, envy, and a never-ending pursuit of material possessions. This constant pursuit of more can distract us from our true purpose in life, which is to worship Allah and seek His pleasure.

Moreover, allowing our desires to exceed our necessities can lead to financial difficulties and an unfulfilled life. By constantly seeking more, we may neglect our responsibilities and fail to appreciate the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. This can result in a perpetual state of dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Conversely, when we are content with what Allah has provided for us, we experience a sense of peace and tranquility. We are able to focus on our spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness. Contentment allows us to appreciate the blessings in our lives and be grateful for what we have, rather than constantly yearning for what we do not possess.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to be content with their needs and to avoid coveting that which is beyond their necessities. This teaching aligns with the Quranic emphasis on moderation, contentment, and the avoidance of excess. By adhering to this advice, we can attain a state of inner peace and fulfillment, and live a balanced and purposeful life. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the strength to be content with what He has provided for us.