Hadith #8867

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

The Arabic word in the provided Hadith is (al-qiniyah) "القنية", which is translated as "acquisitions" or "material possessions." This word refers to the accumulation of wealth, possessions, and worldly goods. The word (al-fitnah) "الفتنة" is also mentioned in the Hadith, which can be translated as "trials" or "tribulations." It signifies the challenges and difficulties that may arise as a result of acquiring worldly possessions.

To understand the connotation of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly reminds us of the temporary nature and potential harms of worldly possessions. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the distractions they create. They may bring temporary pleasure and satisfaction, but ultimately they fade away, leaving behind only emptiness and sorrow. The pursuit of material wealth often leads to a never-ending cycle of competition, comparison, and anxiety, which can bring about sadness and discontentment.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 55, Allah says,

So let not their wealth or their children impress you. Allah only intends to punish them through them in worldly life and that their souls should depart [at death] while they are disbelievers.

This verse reminds us that wealth and children should not be a source of pride or arrogance. They are not indicators of true success or happiness. Instead, they can become a means of punishment if they distract us from our true purpose in life and lead us away from the path of righteousness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, warns us about the potential negative consequences of acquiring worldly possessions. He reminds us that the pursuit of material wealth can lead to sadness and sorrow. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of spiritual and moral excellence over the accumulation of worldly possessions.

When we become too attached to material possessions, we may neglect our spiritual growth, neglect our relationships with Allah and others, and neglect our responsibilities towards society. This neglect can lead to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction, as we realize that true fulfillment cannot be found in material possessions alone.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words also highlight the importance of contentment and gratitude. Instead of constantly striving for more acquisitions, we should learn to be grateful for what we already have. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah An-Nahl, verse 53,

And whatever blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to strike a balance between our material needs and our spiritual growth. We should prioritize acquiring knowledge, developing good character, and engaging in acts of charity and kindness. By doing so, we can find true happiness and contentment, both in this world and in the hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true value of worldly possessions and guide us towards a life of contentment and righteousness.