Hadith #8815

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,

طُوبى لِمَنْ تَجَلْبَبَ بِالقُنُوعِ، وتَجَنَّبَ الإسْرافَ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Blessed is the one who covers himself with contentment and keeps away from extravagance.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (tajalbaba) "تَجَلْبَبَ" is derived from the root word (jalbaba) "جَلْبَبَ", which means to cover or conceal. In this context, it refers to covering oneself with contentment, satisfaction, and a sense of sufficiency. It implies being content with what one has and not constantly seeking more.

The word (al-qunoo'i) "القُنُوعِ" is derived from the root word (qana'a) "قَنِعَ", which means to be content or satisfied. It signifies a state of inner peace and tranquility, where one is satisfied with the blessings and provisions that Allah has bestowed upon them. It is the opposite of greed and covetousness.

On the other hand, the word (al-israfa) "الإسْرافَ" refers to extravagance, excessiveness, and wastefulness. It is the act of going beyond the limits and boundaries set by Allah in terms of spending, consumption, and indulgence. Extravagance leads to imbalance, financial difficulties, and a lack of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us 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 emphasizes the importance of seeking contentment and sufficiency from Allah, as it is He who provides us with sustenance and blessings.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief.

This verse highlights the importance of balancing our worldly pursuits with our spiritual aspirations. We should not be consumed by the desire for material possessions, but rather focus on utilizing the blessings bestowed upon us for the betterment of ourselves and society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his deep knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the significance of contentment and the dangers of extravagance. By covering ourselves with contentment, we shield ourselves from the negative effects of greed, envy, and dissatisfaction. Contentment allows us to appreciate the blessings we have been granted and fosters a sense of gratitude towards Allah.

Moreover, by avoiding extravagance, we protect ourselves from financial burdens, debt, and the negative consequences of living beyond our means. Extravagance can lead to a cycle of constant desire for more, which distracts us from our spiritual journey and hinders our ability to fulfill our obligations towards Allah and our fellow human beings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to seek contentment and avoid extravagance. It encourages us to find satisfaction in what Allah has provided for us and to be mindful of our spending habits. By embodying these qualities, we can attain inner peace, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and contribute positively to society. May Allah guide us all to the path of contentment and protect us from the pitfalls of extravagance.