Hadith #3063

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 Muhammad, his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الحَيُّ لا يَكْتَفِي۔" This Hadith can be translated into English as,

The living one is never satisfied [and always seeks more].

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

The word (al-hayy) "الحَيُّ" in this Hadith refers to the living one, the one who is alive and breathing. It signifies a state of existence and vitality. The word (la) "لا" is a negation, indicating the absence of something. And the word (yaktafi) "يَكْتَفِي" means to be satisfied or content.

When we reflect upon this Hadith, we find that it highlights a fundamental aspect of human nature. It reminds us that as living beings, we are inherently inclined towards seeking more and never being completely satisfied. This inclination is deeply rooted in our desires, ambitions, and aspirations.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on this aspect of human nature. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 42:36)

And when He gives them from His bounty, they are stingy; and when He withholds from them, they are withholding

This verse highlights the tendency of humans to always desire more, even when they have been blessed abundantly. It demonstrates that the human heart is never fully content and is always seeking more.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 17:11)

And man is ever hasty

This verse emphasizes the impatience and restlessness that is inherent in human nature. It shows that humans are constantly in pursuit of their desires and are rarely satisfied with what they have achieved.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their desires and ambitions. It urges us to recognize that true contentment and satisfaction cannot be found in the accumulation of worldly possessions or the fulfillment of every desire. Instead, it encourages us to seek contentment through spiritual growth, self-improvement, and the pursuit of righteousness.

When we constantly seek more, we become trapped in a never-ending cycle of chasing after temporary pleasures and material possessions. This insatiable desire for more can lead to dissatisfaction, greed, and a neglect of our spiritual well-being. It blinds us from appreciating the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us and prevents us from finding true contentment and peace.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) thought-provoking saying serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to strive for moderation in their desires and to seek contentment through gratitude and reliance on Allah. It encourages us to focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter rather than being consumed by the temporary pleasures of this world.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that as living beings, we are inherently inclined towards seeking more and never being completely satisfied. It urges us to reflect upon our desires and ambitions and to seek contentment through spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness. May Allah guide us to find true contentment and satisfaction in His remembrance and the fulfillment of His commands.