Hadith #2494

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,

لاتَسْتَكْثِرَنَّ الكَثيِرَ مِنْ نَوالِكَ، فَإنَّكَ أكْثَرُ مِنْهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of not considering the abundance of what one possesses to be significant, as there is always more that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words used. The word (nawalika) "نَوالِكَ" refers to the blessings, favors, or provisions that Allah has bestowed upon us. It encompasses all forms of wealth, whether material or spiritual. The word (akthar) "أكْثَرُ" means "more" or "greater." It signifies that what Allah has given us is far greater in quantity and quality than what we may perceive.

This profound Hadith is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly reminds us to be grateful for the blessings of Allah and not to become attached to worldly possessions. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 152,

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse reminds us to constantly remember Allah and be grateful for His countless blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Ayah 80, Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah and relying on Him for our provisions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us not to become attached to our possessions and not to consider them as the ultimate source of happiness and contentment. It reminds us that no matter how much we have, Allah's blessings are far greater. This perspective helps us maintain humility and gratitude, acknowledging that everything we have is from Allah's infinite mercy.

By recognizing that we are in possession of even more than what we have been given, we develop a sense of contentment and detachment from worldly possessions. This mindset allows us to focus on the true purpose of our existence, which is to worship Allah and seek His pleasure.

For example, if we have been blessed with wealth, this Hadith encourages us to use it in ways that benefit others and earn the pleasure of Allah. We should not hoard our wealth or become arrogant due to our possessions. Instead, we should be generous and charitable, knowing that Allah has blessed us with even more than what we possess.

Similarly, if we have been given knowledge, this Hadith reminds us not to become complacent or arrogant. We should continue to seek knowledge and share it with others, knowing that Allah's knowledge is infinite and our own knowledge is limited.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be grateful for the blessings of Allah and not to become attached to worldly possessions. It encourages us to maintain humility, contentment, and a sense of detachment, knowing that Allah's blessings are far greater than what we perceive. May Allah grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.