Hadith #8242

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights three important qualities that lead to true affluence and contentment. Let us delve into the exegesis of this beautiful saying.

The first quality mentioned in the Hadith is

hopelessness in [obtaining] what people possess

or

اليَأْسَ عَمّا في أيْدِى النّاسِ

This refers to the state of being free from the desire to acquire worldly possessions that others possess. It is about not being envious or covetous of what others have. This quality is rooted in recognizing that true wealth lies in contentment with what Allah has decreed for us individually.

The second quality mentioned is

contentment with what he is given

or "القَناعَةَ بِما أُوتِيَ". This highlights the importance of being satisfied and grateful for the blessings and provisions that Allah has bestowed upon us. It is about finding peace and tranquility in what we have, rather than constantly yearning for more. This quality encourages us to appreciate the blessings in our lives and to avoid the trap of materialistic desires.

The third quality mentioned is

satisfaction with the divine decree

or "الرِّضا بِالقَضاءِ". This refers to accepting and being pleased with whatever Allah has decreed for us, both in terms of blessings and hardships. It is about trusting in Allah's wisdom and believing that everything that happens is ultimately for our own benefit. This quality teaches us to have faith in Allah's plan and to surrender ourselves to His will.

To further understand the significance of these qualities, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286):

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse reminds us that Allah knows what is best for us and He will not burden us with more than we can handle. Therefore, being content with what we are given and accepting the divine decree is a reflection of our trust in Allah's wisdom and mercy.

In Surah At-Talaq (65:3), Allah says:

And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him.

This verse emphasizes the concept of relying on Allah and having trust in His provisions. When we are content with what we have and satisfied with the divine decree, we open ourselves up to the limitless blessings that Allah can bestow upon us from unexpected sources.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the true meaning of affluence. It is not measured by the abundance of material possessions, but rather by the richness of the heart and soul. By cultivating hopelessness in worldly possessions, contentment with what we have, and satisfaction with the divine decree, we attain a state of true affluence and inner peace.

When we are no longer consumed by the desire to acquire what others possess, we free ourselves from the constant cycle of comparison and envy. This allows us to focus on our own blessings and appreciate the unique provisions that Allah has bestowed upon us. We become content with what we have, finding joy and gratitude in the simplest of things.

Moreover, when we accept and embrace the divine decree, we develop a deep sense of trust in Allah's plan for our lives. We understand that every trial and tribulation is a test of our faith and an opportunity for growth. By surrendering to Allah's will, we find solace in knowing that He is the best of planners and that He will guide us through every challenge.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of cultivating hopelessness in worldly possessions, contentment with what we have, and satisfaction with the divine decree. These qualities lead to true affluence and inner peace, allowing us to find joy and gratitude in the blessings of Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody these qualities in our lives.