Hadith #6865

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he states,

Restraining oneself from [coveting] that which people possess is chastity and high-mindedness.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this statement and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (kaffu) "كَفُّ", which means "restraining oneself," (amma) "عَمَّا", which means "from," (aydi) "أَيْدِي", which means

that which people possess,

(nas) "نَاسِ", which means "people," (iffah) "عِفَّةٌ", which means "chastity," and (kibar) "كِبَرُ", which means "high-mindedness."

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:32),

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.

This verse emphasizes the importance of chastity and self-restraint in matters of sexual desires. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) extends this concept beyond just sexual desires and highlights the significance of restraining oneself from coveting what others possess.

Furthermore, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames.

This verse emphasizes the importance of high-mindedness and refraining from belittling or mocking others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtue of having a noble and elevated mindset, free from envy or covetousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate a sense of contentment and gratitude for what Allah has blessed them with. It encourages us to focus on our own blessings and not be consumed by envy or desire for what others possess. By restraining ourselves from coveting what others have, we attain a state of chastity, purity, and righteousness.

This Hadith also teaches us the importance of maintaining a high-minded attitude. It reminds us to rise above petty jealousy and competition, and instead, strive for personal growth and self-improvement. When we free ourselves from the desire to possess what others have, we can redirect our energy towards self-development and the betterment of society.

Practically, this Hadith encourages Muslims to adopt a mindset of contentment and gratitude. It urges us to reflect on our own blessings and appreciate the unique gifts and talents that Allah has bestowed upon us. By focusing on our own strengths and utilizing them for the benefit of others, we can contribute positively to society and fulfill our purpose as Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the virtues of chastity and high-mindedness. It urges us to restrain ourselves from coveting what others possess and instead cultivate a sense of contentment and gratitude. By doing so, we can attain inner peace, personal growth, and contribute positively to the well-being of society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to embody these qualities and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives.