Hadith #8028

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,

قَليلٌ تُحْمَدُ مَغَبَّتُهُ خَيْرٌ مِنْ كَثير تَضُرُّ عاقِبَتُهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity, highlighting that a small amount that leads to praise and a positive outcome is better than a large quantity that causes harm and negative consequences.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by analyzing some of the key words and concepts it presents. The word (qalil) "قَليلٌ" means "little" or "few," indicating a small quantity or amount. The word (tuhmadu) "تُحْمَدُ" is derived from the root word (hamd) "حَمْد", which means "praise" or "commendation." It signifies that the outcome or result of this small quantity is praiseworthy. On the other hand, the word (kathir) "كَثير" means "plenty" or "abundance," implying a large quantity or amount. The word (tadurru) "تَضُرُّ" is derived from the root word (darr) "ضَرَر", which means "harm" or "damage." It indicates that the consequence or outcome of this large quantity is harmful.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

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 Allah's guidance and support in all our endeavors. It teaches us that it is better to have a small amount of blessings and success that are accompanied by Allah's approval and support, rather than having an abundance of worldly possessions or achievements that lack His blessings.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:84), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Whosoever brings a good deed, he shall have better than its worth; and they shall be secure from terror on that Day.

This verse emphasizes the concept of quality over quantity in the realm of good deeds. It assures us that even if our good deeds may seem small or insignificant in the eyes of the world, their true worth and reward in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) are far greater than we can imagine.

Now, let us reflect on the practical implications of this Hadith. In our daily lives, we often find ourselves chasing after material possessions, wealth, and worldly achievements. We may be tempted to accumulate more and more, believing that quantity equates to success and happiness. However, this Hadith reminds us to prioritize the quality of our actions and their outcomes over the mere accumulation of worldly goods.

For example, imagine a person who has a small amount of wealth but uses it to help those in need, support charitable causes, and contribute to the betterment of society. Despite having limited resources, their actions are praiseworthy and have a positive impact on the lives of others. On the other hand, another person may possess great wealth but uses it selfishly, indulging in extravagance and neglecting their responsibilities towards others. Despite their abundance, their actions lead to harm and negative consequences.

This Hadith teaches us that it is not the quantity of our possessions or achievements that truly matters, but rather the intention behind our actions and the impact they have on ourselves and others. It encourages us to focus on the quality of our deeds, ensuring that they are rooted in righteousness, sincerity, and the pursuit of Allah's pleasure.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity in our actions and endeavors. It encourages us to seek the praise and approval of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) rather than the fleeting admiration of the world. By embodying this principle in our lives, we can strive for a positive outcome that brings us closer to Allah and benefits those around us. May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to discern between what is truly beneficial and what may lead to harm.