Hadith #8241

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

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides us with a valuable insight into the true nature of affluence, prestige, and abundance. He states that if one desires to attain these blessings without relying on material possessions, authority, or familial connections, then they must strive to free themselves from the abjectness of disobedience to Allah and embrace the honor of His obedience. By doing so, they will find all of these blessings within the realm of obedience to Allah.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (ghina) "غِنى" refers to affluence or wealth, while (bi-laamal) "لامال" means without possessions. Similarly, (izz) "عِزُّ" signifies prestige or honor, and (bi-la-sultan) "لاسُلْطان" means without authority. Furthermore, (kathrah) "كَثْرَةُ" denotes abundance, and (bi-la ashirah) "لا عَشيرَة" means without kinsfolk or family connections.

To support the exegesis of 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 sustenance and strength from Allah, rather than relying solely on material possessions or worldly authority. It highlights the need to establish a strong connection with Allah and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives.

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

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to strike a balance between seeking the rewards of the Hereafter and fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. It encourages us to use the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah to do good and avoid corruption, while always keeping our ultimate goal of the Hereafter in mind.

Now, let us reflect on the beautiful message conveyed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this hadith. He teaches us that true affluence lies not in the accumulation of material possessions, but in the contentment and satisfaction of the heart. It is the ability to find joy and fulfillment in the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us, regardless of our material wealth. Similarly, true prestige and honor are not derived from positions of authority or power, but from the righteousness and integrity of our actions. It is the recognition and respect that we earn through our piety and devotion to Allah.

Furthermore, the Imam reminds us that abundance is not solely measured by the number of our family connections or social circles. Rather, it is the richness of our relationships based on love, compassion, and mutual support. It is the quality of our interactions and the depth of our connections that truly matter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to break free from the chains of disobedience to Allah and embrace the honor and dignity that comes with obedience to Him. By doing so, we open ourselves up to a world of blessings and abundance that cannot be attained through worldly means alone. We find true affluence in the contentment of our hearts, true prestige in the righteousness of our actions, and true abundance in the richness of our relationships.

In conclusion, this hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims of all backgrounds. It calls us to reevaluate our priorities and seek true affluence, prestige, and abundance through the path of obedience to Allah. May we all strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and find fulfillment in the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us.