Hadith #8469

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The pauper who is satisfied is saved from the traps of Satan, whereas the rich person falls into his snares.

This enlightening saying highlights the importance of contentment and the dangers of wealth when it becomes a source of attachment and distraction from the path of righteousness.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (الفقير) "pauper" refers to someone who lacks material wealth or possessions. The term (الراضي) "satisfied" implies a state of contentment and acceptance with what one has, regardless of their material circumstances. (حبائل) "Traps" signifies the snares and deceptions of Satan, which lead individuals astray from the path of righteousness. Lastly, the word (الغني) "rich person" refers to someone who possesses abundant wealth and resources.

To shed light on the significance of contentment and its relationship to salvation, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah At-Talaq (65:2-3),

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

These verses emphasize that those who fear Allah and rely upon Him will find a way out of their difficulties and receive sustenance from unexpected sources. This reliance on Allah and contentment with His decree is the key to being saved from the traps of Satan. When one is satisfied with what Allah has provided, they are shielded from the temptations and distractions that wealth can bring.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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

This verse reminds us that Allah's wisdom and mercy ensure that every individual is given the capacity to handle their circumstances. When a person is content with their lot in life, they are better able to navigate the challenges they face without succumbing to the snares of Satan.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims. It highlights the dangers of attachment to wealth and the importance of cultivating contentment. When a person becomes obsessed with accumulating wealth and possessions, they may lose sight of their spiritual journey and fall into the traps set by Satan. On the other hand, the pauper who is satisfied with what they have is saved from these snares and remains focused on their relationship with Allah.

This Hadith encourages Muslims to reflect on their own attitudes towards wealth and to strive for contentment in all circumstances. It reminds us that true salvation lies in being satisfied with what Allah has decreed for us and relying on Him for our sustenance and well-being. By embodying the qualities of contentment and gratitude, we can protect ourselves from the pitfalls of materialism and stay on the path of righteousness.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to be content with what we have and protect us from the snares of Satan. May we always remember that true wealth lies in our faith and connection with Allah, and may He guide us to the path of righteousness.