Hadith #10085

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 يَكْفي خَيْرٌ مِنْ كَثير يُطْغي۔

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of contentment and moderation, highlighting the superiority of having little wealth that is sufficient over having an abundance of wealth that leads to arrogance and excess.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by examining the key words and their implications. The word (qaleel) "قَليلٌ" refers to a small or limited amount, while (katheer) "كَثير" denotes a large or excessive quantity. The word (yakfi) "يَكْفِي" means to be sufficient or satisfactory, and (yutghi) "يُطْغِي" signifies arrogance, transgression, or going beyond the limits.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of contentment and moderation in various verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), 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 supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) for a balanced and sufficient provision from Allah.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), we find the story of Prophet Sulaiman (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) who, despite his immense wealth and power, recognized the importance of gratitude and contentment. Allah says,

So We subjected to him the wind blowing by his command, gently, wherever he directed, and the devils [of jinn] - every builder and diver, and others bound in chains. [We said], 'This is Our gift, so grant or withhold without account.'

From these Quranic verses, we can infer that Allah encourages us to seek sufficiency and contentment rather than excessive wealth and extravagance. The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes this principle by highlighting the negative consequences of excessive wealth, which can lead to arrogance, transgression, and a sense of entitlement.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that true wealth lies in being content with what Allah has provided us. This does not mean that we should not strive for success or financial stability, but rather that we should not allow wealth to corrupt our hearts and lead us astray from the path of righteousness.

The consequences of excessive wealth can be seen throughout history and even in our present society. It often leads to a sense of entitlement, greed, and a disregard for the needs of others. On the other hand, those who are content with what they have are more likely to be grateful, compassionate, and generous towards others.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to strike a balance in our pursuit of wealth and material possessions. We should be grateful for what we have and use our resources in a responsible and beneficial manner. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and excess, and instead cultivate a sense of contentment and moderation that brings us closer to Allah and benefits society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of contentment and moderation in our pursuit of wealth. It teaches us that having a little that suffices is far superior to having an abundance that leads to arrogance and transgression. By aligning our actions with the teachings of the Quran and the wisdom of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can attain true success and fulfillment in this world and the Hereafter. May Allah guide us all on the path of moderation and contentment.