Hadith #6564

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, "كُلُّ مَعْدُود مُنْتَقِصٌ۔" This can be translated as,

Every denumerable thing can diminish.

To understand the connotation behind this statement, let us delve into the important words used in this Hadith.

The word (ma'dood) "مَعْدُود" refers to something that can be counted or quantified. It encompasses all tangible and intangible entities that can be measured or numbered. This includes material possessions, wealth, time, knowledge, and even our own lives. The word (muntaqis) "مُنْتَقِصٌ" means to decrease, diminish, or reduce. It implies that anything that is denumerable is subject to decline, depletion, or loss.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris.

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and the ephemeral nature of life itself. It reminds us that the material wealth we accumulate, the status we seek, and the worldly pursuits we engage in are all temporary and subject to decline. Just as a plant withers and turns to debris, so too do our worldly possessions diminish and lose their value over time.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:15), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.

This verse emphasizes that our wealth and children are a test from Allah, and they can be taken away from us at any moment. It serves as a reminder that our focus should not be solely on accumulating worldly possessions, but rather on seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It teaches us that everything in this world, no matter how abundant or valuable, is subject to decline and loss. Our wealth, knowledge, health, and even our time on this earth are all temporary and fleeting. This realization should motivate us to prioritize our actions and investments in the eternal realm, rather than becoming overly attached to the transient nature of this world.

When we understand that everything in this world is perishable, it helps us develop a sense of detachment and contentment. We become less focused on accumulating material possessions and more focused on seeking the pleasure of Allah and investing in the hereafter. This mindset allows us to find solace and tranquility, knowing that our true wealth lies in the good deeds we accumulate and the closeness we attain to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that every denumerable thing in this world is subject to diminish. It serves as a profound reminder of the transient nature of worldly possessions and the importance of prioritizing our actions and investments in the eternal realm. By recognizing the impermanence of this world, we can develop a sense of detachment and contentment, focusing on seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the everlasting life to come. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us success in this world and the hereafter.