Hadith #3765

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

ذَرْ ما قَلَّ لِما كَثُرَ وما ضاقَ لَِما اتَّسَعَ۔

This Hadith can be translated as:

Leave that which is little for that which is abundant and that which is limited for that which is vast.

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

The word (zar) "ذَرْ" in the Hadith means to leave or abandon. It implies refraining from holding onto something that is small or limited. On the other hand, (ma qalla) "ما قَلَّ" refers to something that is little or scarce. Similarly, (ma kathura) "ما كَثُرَ" signifies abundance or plenty. (ma daqa) "ما ضاقَ" denotes something that is narrow or constricted, while (lima atsaa'a) "لَِما اتَّسَعَ" means something that is vast or spacious.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can 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 highlights the importance of seeking abundance and sustenance from Allah, rather than relying on our limited resources.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:245), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

Who is it that will lend to Allah a goodly loan so that He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.

This verse emphasizes the concept of leaving that which is little and giving generously, as Allah has the power to multiply our provisions manifold.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to have a mindset of abundance and generosity. It teaches us to let go of our attachment to material possessions that are limited and instead focus on seeking that which is abundant and vast. By doing so, we open ourselves up to the blessings and provisions that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has in store for us.

This Hadith also reminds us of the importance of contentment and gratitude. When we appreciate the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us, we are more likely to let go of our attachment to material possessions and seek contentment in what we have. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Insan (76:9):

We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, urges us to adopt a mindset of abundance and generosity. By leaving that which is little and limited, we open ourselves up to the vastness of Allah's blessings. This mindset not only benefits us in this world but also in the hereafter, as Allah promises abundant rewards for those who are generous and give for His sake.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us to let go of our attachment to that which is little and limited, and instead seek that which is abundant and vast. It reminds us to have a mindset of abundance, generosity, and contentment, relying on Allah's provisions rather than our own limited resources. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the understanding and ability to implement the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.