Hadith #3832

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 progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لِكُلِّ كَثْرَة قِلَّةٌ۔" which translates to

For every abundance [in this world] there is paucity.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights a fundamental principle of life, reminding us of the inherent balance and transience of worldly possessions and blessings.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used. The word (kathrah) "كَثْرَة" refers to abundance, plenty, or a large quantity. It signifies the state of having an excess or surplus of something. On the other hand, the word (qillah) "قِلَّةٌ" denotes scarcity, deficiency, or a small quantity. It represents the state of lacking or having a shortage of something.

This Hadith draws our attention to the fact that every abundance in this world is accompanied by its opposite, paucity. It serves as a reminder that the material possessions and worldly blessings we may accumulate are temporary and fleeting. They are subject to change and can easily be replaced by scarcity or loss. This principle applies not only to material wealth but also to other aspects of life, such as health, relationships, and opportunities.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the wisdom behind this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And We send down of the Qur'an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.

This verse highlights the contrast between the abundance of guidance and mercy found in the Quran for the believers and the spiritual deficiency and loss experienced by the wrongdoers.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 emphasizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and the ultimate futility of striving for material abundance without recognizing its impermanence.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to maintain a balanced perspective on worldly possessions and blessings. It encourages us to appreciate and be grateful for the abundance we may have, while also recognizing that it is temporary and can easily be replaced by scarcity or loss. This understanding helps us avoid becoming attached to material possessions and instead focus on the eternal and spiritual aspects of life.

Moreover, this Hadith teaches us the importance of moderation and contentment. It reminds us that excessive attachment to worldly abundance can lead to neglecting our spiritual growth and the pursuit of the hereafter. It encourages us to find contentment in what we have, rather than constantly striving for more.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "لِكُلِّ كَثْرَة قِلَّةٌ۔" serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to maintain a balanced perspective on worldly possessions and blessings. It highlights the transient nature of abundance and the importance of moderation and contentment. By reflecting on this Hadith and the supporting Quranic verses, we can strive to cultivate gratitude, detachment, and a focus on the eternal aspects of life. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.