Hadith #8835

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

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

مَنْ عَدِمَ القَناعَةَ لَمْ يُغْنِهِ المالُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of contentment and highlights that wealth alone cannot bring true affluence or satisfaction.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (qana'ah) "قَناعَةَ" refers to contentment, satisfaction, and being pleased with what one has. It is the opposite of greed and covetousness. The word (maal) "مالُ" refers to wealth or material possessions.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety).

This verse highlights the importance of seeking spiritual provisions, such as piety and contentment, over material possessions. It reminds us that true richness lies in our relationship with Allah and our spiritual well-being.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And say: My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.

This verse teaches us to seek support and authority from Allah, rather than relying solely on material wealth. It emphasizes the importance of seeking contentment and satisfaction in our relationship with Allah, as it is through His support that we find true affluence.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that wealth alone cannot bring true happiness or fulfillment. It is the contentment of the heart that brings true affluence. When one lacks contentment, they are constantly chasing after more wealth, possessions, and status, thinking that it will bring them happiness. However, this pursuit is never-ending and only leads to dissatisfaction and restlessness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of contentment. He recognized that true richness lies in being grateful for what one has and finding satisfaction in the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself lived a life of simplicity and contentment, despite having access to wealth and power. His contentment stemmed from his deep faith and trust in Allah's wisdom and providence.

When one lacks contentment, they become trapped in a cycle of constantly seeking more and more. This insatiable desire for wealth and possessions leads to a never-ending pursuit of material gains, often at the expense of one's spiritual well-being and relationships. It blinds individuals from recognizing the true blessings in their lives and prevents them from finding true happiness and peace.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate contentment in their lives. It teaches us that true affluence and satisfaction come from being grateful for what we have and finding contentment in the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. Wealth alone cannot bring true happiness or fulfillment. It is through seeking spiritual provisions, such as contentment and piety, that we find true richness in this world and the hereafter. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of this Hadith and live a life of contentment and gratitude.