Hadith #8246

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لاغِنى إلاّ بِالقَناعَةِ۔" This can be translated as,

There is no affluence except through contentment.

Let us first examine the key words in this Hadith. (la ghina) "لاغِنى" refers to affluence or wealth, while (bil qana'ah) "بِالقَناعَةِ" means contentment. Contentment, in this context, refers to being satisfied with what one has and not constantly desiring more.

The concept of contentment is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing piety and God-consciousness over material possessions. It teaches us that true wealth lies in having a strong connection with Allah and living a righteous life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse encourages us to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while not neglecting our responsibilities in this world. It reminds us to be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah and to use them in a way that benefits ourselves and others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the idea that true affluence and wealth are not measured solely by material possessions, but rather by the state of contentment within oneself. It teaches us that constantly seeking more and never being satisfied will not bring true happiness or fulfillment. Instead, finding contentment with what we have, while striving for the Hereafter, is the key to true affluence.

When we reflect on this Hadith, we realize that it has profound implications for our daily lives. In a world that constantly bombards us with messages of consumerism and the pursuit of material wealth, it is easy to fall into the trap of never feeling satisfied. We may find ourselves constantly striving for more, thinking that acquiring more possessions will bring us happiness and fulfillment. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that true wealth lies in being content with what we have.

Contentment brings peace to the heart and mind. It allows us to appreciate the blessings we already possess and to focus on the more important aspects of life, such as our relationship with Allah and our relationships with others. When we are content, we are not consumed by the desire for more, and this frees us from the constant pursuit of material possessions.

Moreover, contentment enables us to be grateful for what we have been given. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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.

When we are content, we recognize the countless blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us, both big and small. We are able to appreciate the simple joys of life and find happiness in the present moment.

Contentment also protects us from the negative consequences of greed and envy. When we are constantly seeking more, we may become envious of others who have what we desire. This can lead to feelings of resentment and dissatisfaction. However, when we are content, we are able to celebrate the success and blessings of others without feeling threatened or jealous. We are able to find joy in the success of others and genuinely wish them well.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true affluence and wealth are not measured by material possessions, but rather by the state of contentment within oneself. It reminds us to find satisfaction with what we have been given and to prioritize our relationship with Allah over worldly desires. By cultivating contentment, we can find true happiness, gratitude, and peace in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of this Hadith.