Hadith #10089

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

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

كَمْ مِنْ مَنْقُوص رابِح ومَزيد خاسِر۔

This Hadith carries a wise message about the value of contentment and the dangers of excessive greed. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (manqoos) "مَنْقُوص" in the Hadith refers to someone who receives less or is deprived of something. On the other hand, the word (mazeed) "مَزِيد" denotes someone who receives more or is given in abundance. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the fact that often, those who receive less are the ones who benefit, while those who receive more end up losing.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) finds support in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286, (Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear)

لَا يُكَلِّفُ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَاۚ

This verse emphasizes that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is aware of our capabilities and provides us with what is suitable for us. Sometimes, receiving less can be a blessing in disguise, as it prevents us from being overwhelmed by the burdens of excess.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 55, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (He has not made for you in the religion any hardship)

مَا وَلَّىٰكُمْ عَلَيْهِمْ فِي شَيْءٍۖ

This verse reassures us that Islam is a religion of ease and moderation. It encourages us to be content with what we have and not to be consumed by the desire for more. The pursuit of excessive wealth or material possessions often leads to spiritual and emotional bankruptcy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also aligns with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) who said,

Contentment is a treasure that never diminishes.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of finding contentment in what we have, rather than constantly yearning for more.

When we reflect on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we realize that it is a reminder to Muslims to be grateful for the blessings they have been given and to avoid the pitfalls of excessive greed. It teaches us that true success lies not in accumulating more wealth or possessions, but in finding contentment and satisfaction with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has decreed for us.

The consequences of disregarding this wisdom can be seen in society today. Many individuals who are consumed by the pursuit of material gain often find themselves trapped in a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction. They may acquire wealth and possessions, but they lose their peace of mind, contentment, and even their relationships in the process.

On the other hand, those who are content with what they have, even if it is little, experience a sense of tranquility and gratitude. They are able to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon them and find joy in the simplest of things. Their focus shifts from the materialistic to the spiritual, and they cultivate a deeper connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder to Muslims about the importance of contentment and the dangers of excessive greed. It encourages us to find satisfaction in what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided for us, regardless of whether it is less or more. By adopting this mindset, we can attain true success and inner peace, while avoiding the pitfalls of materialism and discontentment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to embrace contentment and protect us from the perils of excessive greed.