Hadith #8825

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,

لَنْ تُوجَدَ القَناعَةُ حَتّى يَفْقُدَ الحِرْصُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Contentment will never be attained until greed is lost.

Let us delve into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. (al-qana'ah) "القَناعَةُ" refers to contentment or satisfaction with what one has, while (al-hirs) "الحِرْصُ" signifies greed or excessive desire for more. It is important to note that contentment and greed are two opposing qualities that cannot coexist within a person's heart.

The Quran beautifully emphasizes the importance of contentment and warns against the dangers of greed. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 14:7)

And [recall] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe'

This verse highlights the concept of gratitude and contentment, as being grateful for what one has leads to an increase in blessings from Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 20:131)

And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring

This verse reminds us that the material possessions and worldly pleasures that we may desire are merely temporary and fleeting, whereas the provisions from our Lord are everlasting.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to strive for contentment and to rid themselves of greed. Greed is a destructive trait that can lead to dissatisfaction, envy, and a constant desire for more. It blinds individuals from appreciating the blessings they already possess and causes them to constantly chase after worldly desires.

When one cultivates contentment, they are able to find peace and tranquility in their hearts. They are grateful for what Allah has bestowed upon them and are satisfied with their current circumstances. Contentment does not mean complacency or stagnation; rather, it is the ability to appreciate and make the most of what one has, while striving for improvement in a balanced manner.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the importance of losing greed in order to attain contentment. By letting go of excessive desires and focusing on the blessings already present in our lives, we can experience true contentment. This contentment brings about a sense of inner peace, gratitude, and a stronger connection with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that contentment cannot be achieved until we rid ourselves of greed. Through the Quranic teachings of gratitude, recognizing the temporary nature of worldly possessions, and seeking the provisions from our Lord, we can strive towards contentment. May Allah guide us to embrace contentment and free ourselves from the shackles of greed.