Hadith #9287

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

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

طُوبى لِمَنْ تَحَلّى بِالعَفافِ ورَضِيَ بِالكَفافِ۔

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) can be translated as:

Blessed is the one who adorns himself with virtue and is satisfied with what suffices.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran. The word (afaf) "عَفَاف" in this Hadith refers to purity, chastity, and moral excellence. It signifies the state of being free from any impurity, both in actions and intentions. It encompasses modesty, self-restraint, and righteousness. The one who adorns himself with virtue, who strives to maintain purity in all aspects of life, is indeed blessed.

The word (kafaf) "كَفَاف" in this Hadith means sufficiency or contentment. It refers to being satisfied with what is necessary and avoiding excessive desires and greed. It is the state of being grateful for what one has and not constantly seeking more. The one who is content with what suffices, who does not chase after materialistic pursuits, is also blessed.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the message of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77:

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 emphasizes the importance of seeking the Hereafter while not neglecting our responsibilities in this world. It encourages us to do good and not to engage in corruption. It highlights the balance between striving for the eternal rewards and being content with the provisions of this world.

Another verse that resonates with the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

Take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse reminds us to take provisions for our worldly needs, but it also emphasizes that the best provision is Taqwa, which can be understood as God-consciousness or piety. It teaches us that true satisfaction and contentment come from having a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and fulfilling our obligations towards Him.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith is highlighting the importance of balancing our pursuit of virtue and righteousness with contentment and gratitude. He is teaching us that true blessings lie in adorning ourselves with moral excellence and being satisfied with what is sufficient, rather than constantly chasing after worldly desires and material possessions.

When we strive for virtue and righteousness, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility. We become more mindful of our actions and intentions, ensuring that they align with the teachings of Islam. This leads to a life of purpose and fulfillment, as we seek to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do.

Moreover, when we are content with what suffices, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of materialistic desires. We learn to appreciate the blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us and are grateful for them. This contentment shields us from the negative consequences of greed, envy, and dissatisfaction, which can lead to unhappiness and spiritual emptiness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of adorning ourselves with virtue and being content with what suffices. It encourages us to seek moral excellence and righteousness while avoiding excessive desires and greed. By following this guidance, we can attain true blessings and lead a life of purpose and contentment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody these teachings and bless us in this world and the Hereafter.