Hadith #2125

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings be upon Muhammad (ﷺ) and his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, as well as his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

كَمْ مِنْ حَريص خائِب ومُجْمِل لَمْ يَخِبْ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

Many a greedy person has been frustrated and many a contented person has not been disappointed!

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quran.

The word (haris) "حَريص" refers to a person who is excessively greedy, desiring more and more without contentment. Such individuals are never satisfied with what they have and constantly seek to accumulate more wealth, power, or possessions. However, this Hadith highlights that despite their insatiable desires, many of these greedy individuals end up being frustrated and disappointed.

The word (kha'ib) "خائِب" means frustrated or defeated. It implies that despite their relentless pursuit of worldly gains, these individuals ultimately fail to achieve true success and fulfillment. Their greed blinds them from recognizing the blessings they already possess and leads them to a perpetual state of dissatisfaction.

On the other hand, the word (mujmil) "مُجْمِل" refers to a person who is contented and satisfied with what they have. They do not constantly crave for more and are grateful for the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This Hadith asserts that such contented individuals are not disappointed or let down by their circumstances.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the wisdom behind this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152):

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of gratitude and contentment. When we are grateful for what we have, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) blesses us with more and protects us from disappointment.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Talaq (65:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect.

This verse highlights that those who have taqwa (fear of Allah) and trust in Him will find relief and sustenance even in unexpected ways. Their contentment and reliance on Allah's provisions shield them from disappointment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for us to reflect on our own attitudes towards wealth, possessions, and worldly desires. It cautions us against falling into the trap of excessive greed and encourages us to cultivate contentment and gratitude.

Greed can blind us from appreciating the blessings we already have and lead us to a constant state of dissatisfaction. It can also drive us to engage in unethical practices, harming ourselves and others in the process. On the other hand, contentment allows us to find peace and happiness in the present moment, appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

By being content and grateful, we open ourselves up to the abundant blessings of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). We learn to appreciate the simple joys of life and recognize that true success lies not in accumulating material wealth, but in nurturing our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving for righteousness.

Let us strive to embody the qualities of contentment and gratitude, following the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the guidance of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to recognize the blessings in our lives and protect us from the pitfalls of greed and dissatisfaction.