Hadith #3980

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

Yaseeru ad-deenu khayrun min kathīr ad-dunyā.

This Hadith emphasizes the superiority of having a little religion over possessing an abundance of worldly possessions. Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word "yaseeru" in the Hadith means "little" or "few." It refers to a small quantity or a limited amount. The word "ad-deen" refers to religion, encompassing faith, beliefs, and practices that guide a person's life. The word "khayrun" means "better" or "superior," indicating the superiority of having a small amount of religion. Lastly, "kathīr ad-dunyā" refers to plenty or abundance of worldly possessions.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286: (2:286)

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

This verse highlights the importance of moderation in religious practices. It reminds us that Allah does not burden us with more than we can handle. It is better to have a little religion that we can fulfill with sincerity and consistency, rather than overwhelming ourselves with excessive religious obligations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (18:28)

And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life...

This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the remembrance of Allah and seeking His pleasure over worldly possessions. It encourages us to surround ourselves with those who are devoted to their faith, as their company will inspire and strengthen our own religious commitment.

Reflecting on the Hadith, we can understand that possessing an abundance of worldly possessions can distract us from our religious obligations. The pursuit of material wealth often leads to a neglect of our spiritual well-being. It can consume our time, energy, and thoughts, leaving little room for the remembrance of Allah and the fulfillment of our religious duties.

On the other hand, having a little religion means prioritizing our faith and dedicating ourselves to the worship of Allah. It means focusing on the quality rather than the quantity of our religious practices. By prioritizing our relationship with Allah and seeking His pleasure, we attain true contentment and inner peace, which cannot be achieved through material possessions alone.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us through this Hadith that true success lies in the balance between our worldly pursuits and our religious obligations. It is not about accumulating wealth and possessions, but rather about nurturing our faith and strengthening our connection with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of prioritizing our religion over worldly possessions. It reminds us that having a little religion, practiced with sincerity and consistency, is far superior to possessing an abundance of worldly wealth. By focusing on our faith and seeking the pleasure of Allah, we attain true success and inner peace. May Allah guide us to prioritize our religion and grant us the wisdom to strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual journey.