Hadith #6882

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لافاقَةَ مَعَ عَفاف۔" This can be translated into English as,

There is no indigence with chastity.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (lafaqah) "لافاقَةَ" refers to poverty, destitution, or indigence. It signifies a state of lacking material wealth or resources. On the other hand, the word (afaf) "عَفاف" refers to chastity, purity, and modesty. It encompasses not only physical purity but also moral integrity and righteousness.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah An-Nur (24:30),

Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.

This verse emphasizes the importance of chastity and self-restraint in maintaining purity and righteousness.

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 highlights the balance between seeking the blessings of this world while maintaining integrity and avoiding corruption.

When we reflect on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that it is not merely a statement about material poverty and chastity. It goes beyond that, encompassing the spiritual and moral dimensions of a person's life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us that true richness lies in maintaining our purity and integrity, regardless of our material possessions.

A person who possesses chastity and moral uprightness will never feel impoverished, even if they lack material wealth. Their contentment and inner peace come from their adherence to the principles of righteousness and their commitment to pleasing Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). They understand that true wealth lies in the purity of their hearts and their actions, rather than in the accumulation of worldly possessions.

This Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their spiritual and moral well-being over material wealth. It encourages us to cultivate a sense of contentment and gratitude for the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us, regardless of our financial status. It reminds us that true richness lies in our character, our relationship with Allah, and our commitment to living a life of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

There is no indigence with chastity

teaches us the profound lesson that true richness and contentment come from maintaining our purity and integrity, rather than from material possessions. It reminds us to prioritize our spiritual and moral well-being and to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) above all else. May Allah guide us to live a life of chastity and righteousness, and may He grant us contentment and inner peace in this world and the Hereafter.