Hadith #8814

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), and his noble companions.

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

حِفْظُ مافي يَدِكَ خَيْرٌ لَكَ مِنْ طَلَبِ ما في يَدِ غَيْرِكَ۔

This can be translated as:

Preserving that which is in your possession is better for you than seeking that which is in someone else’s possession.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran. The word (hifz) "حِفْظُ" means to preserve, protect, or safeguard. It implies taking care of something and ensuring its well-being. The word (mafi) "مافي" means that which is in, or that which is within. It refers to the possessions, blessings, or opportunities that Allah has bestowed upon an individual. The word (yadika) "يَدِكَ" means your hand, symbolizing ownership or control over something. The word (khayr) "خَيْرٌ" means better or superior. The word (talab) "طَلَبِ" means seeking or pursuing. Lastly, the phrase (ma fi yadi ghayrik)

ما في يَدِ غَيْرِكَ

means that which is in the possession of someone else.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of appreciating and making the most of what we already have, rather than constantly seeking what others possess. It encourages contentment and gratitude for the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in multiple verses.

Allah says in Surah An-Nahl (16:18):

And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse reminds us that the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah are countless and immeasurable. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to preserve and make the most of these blessings rather than being envious of what others possess.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah says:

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.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking strength and sustenance from Allah, rather than constantly seeking what others possess. It encourages us to focus on our own journey and to rely on Allah's provisions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that seeking what others possess can lead to envy, discontentment, and a never-ending cycle of desire. It is a call to reflect on our own blessings and to utilize them wisely for our own benefit and the benefit of others.

For example, if a person is blessed with knowledge, it is better for them to preserve and utilize that knowledge for the benefit of society, rather than constantly seeking the knowledge possessed by others. By sharing their knowledge, they can contribute to the betterment of the community and fulfill their responsibility as a knowledgeable individual.

Similarly, if a person is blessed with wealth, it is better for them to preserve and utilize that wealth for charitable causes and to help those in need, rather than constantly desiring the wealth possessed by others. By using their wealth for good, they can make a positive impact on society and earn the pleasure of Allah.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of appreciating and making the most of the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. It encourages contentment, gratitude, and the wise utilization of our own possessions, rather than constantly seeking what others possess. By preserving and utilizing our blessings for the greater good, we can lead fulfilling lives and earn the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us to follow this wisdom and grant us the ability to appreciate and utilize our blessings wisely.