Hadith #1343

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights an important aspect of true faith and belief. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that a person cannot be considered a true believer until they reach a level of detachment from worldly possessions and concerns. This detachment is demonstrated by not being preoccupied with the type of food that will satisfy their hunger or the choice between their two garments.

To understand the depth and significance of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used in this Hadith. The word (mu'minan) "مُؤْمِناً" refers to a believer, someone who has true faith in their heart and submits to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (layakoonu) "لايَكونُ" means "does not become," indicating that this level of belief is not easily attained and requires effort and self-discipline.

The phrase (layubali bi-madha asadda fawrata ju'hihi)

لايُباليَ بِماذا أسَدَّ فَوْرَةَ جُوعِهِ

can be translated as

is no longer concerned about what [food] will end his pangs of hunger.

This signifies that a true believer does not obsess over the quality or quantity of food they consume, as they trust in Allah's provision and are content with whatever sustenance He provides. This detachment from material desires is a reflection of the believer's reliance on Allah's mercy and their understanding that true satisfaction lies in spiritual nourishment rather than material possessions.

The second part of the Hadith states, (wala bi-ayyi thaubayhi ibtadhal) "ولابِأيِّ ثَوبَيْهِ ابْتَذَلَ". Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that a true believer is not preoccupied with the choice between their two garments. This highlights the believer's detachment from worldly appearances and their focus on inner virtues rather than external adornments. It signifies that true faith transcends superficial concerns and places importance on character, humility, and righteousness.

To further understand the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:267)

O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy

This verse emphasizes the importance of spending from what is good and pure, without seeking defects or imperfections. It encourages believers to be content with what Allah has provided and to avoid excessive attachment to material possessions. By doing so, one demonstrates trust in Allah's sustenance and acknowledges His infinite generosity.

Another verse that aligns with the message of the Hadith is found in Surah Al-Kahf, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 18:45)

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allah is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability

This verse reminds us of the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on the eternal. Just as rainwater nourishes the earth and brings forth vegetation, our worldly possessions are temporary and will eventually fade away. True believers understand this reality and prioritize their spiritual growth and connection with Allah over material pursuits.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to cultivate a mindset of detachment from worldly possessions. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with Allah and to seek contentment in His provisions, rather than being consumed by material desires. By embodying the qualities described in this Hadith, we can strive towards true faith and find inner peace and tranquility.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to detach ourselves from the distractions of this world and to focus on what truly matters. May we embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive towards true faith and righteousness. Ameen.