Hadith #8275

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,

غَيْرَةُ المُؤمِنِ بِاللّهِ سُبْحانَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

The believer's possessiveness is for [the sake of] Allah, the Glorified.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (ghayrah) "غَيْرَةُ" in this Hadith refers to possessiveness or jealousy. It is important to note that possessiveness is generally seen as a negative trait, associated with selfishness and greed. However, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights that the believer's possessiveness is directed towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), which transforms it into a noble quality.

To understand this concept, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Hashr (59:9), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [also for] those who were settled in the Home [i.e., Al-Madinah] and [adopted] the faith before them. They love those who emigrated to them and find not any want in their breasts of what the emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse highlights the selflessness and possessiveness of the believers towards their fellow Muslims. They do not feel any envy or want for what others have been given, but rather, they give preference to others over themselves. This possessiveness for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is a manifestation of their deep faith and love for Him.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse emphasizes the importance of possessiveness for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in terms of spending in His cause, controlling anger, and forgiving others. The possessiveness of the believers is not driven by personal gain or ego, but rather by their desire to please Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and follow His commands.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that possessiveness, when directed towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), becomes a means of purifying our intentions and actions. It motivates us to strive for excellence in our worship, to be generous and selfless towards others, and to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives.

This possessiveness for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has profound consequences. It transforms our relationships, making them rooted in love, compassion, and selflessness. It motivates us to work towards the betterment of society, to support those in need, and to strive for justice and equality. It also serves as a reminder that our ultimate goal is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in everything we do, and to prioritize His commands over our own desires.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense wisdom and knowledge possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of the Quran and his unwavering devotion to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) allowed him to articulate profound teachings that continue to guide and inspire Muslims to this day.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that possessiveness, when directed towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), becomes a noble quality that motivates us to seek His pleasure, purify our intentions, and strive for excellence in all aspects of our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to possess this noble quality and may it lead us to success in this world and the Hereafter.