Hadith #10113

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

Yaseerun yakfi khayrun min kathir yutghi.

This profound saying emphasizes the virtue of contentment and moderation in one's actions and possessions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that having little that is sufficient is far better than having an abundance that leads to arrogance and transgression.

To delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith, let us examine the key words used. The word "yaseerun" refers to a small or limited quantity, while "kathir" denotes abundance or excess. "Yakfi" means to suffice or be enough, and "yutghi" signifies transgression or going beyond the limits.

This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the importance of moderation and contentment. 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 supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who sought Allah's guidance to lead a balanced and righteous life.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us:

But seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of lawful enjoyment in this world; and do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allah likes not the Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupters).

This verse emphasizes the need to strike a balance between seeking the rewards of the Hereafter and enjoying the lawful pleasures of this world. It encourages us to be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to avoid excess and mischief.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that true success lies in finding contentment with what we have, rather than constantly striving for more. It highlights the dangers of excessive accumulation and the negative consequences it can have on our character and spirituality.

When we are content with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided us, we are more likely to appreciate the blessings in our lives and use them in a manner that pleases Him. This contentment brings peace and tranquility to our hearts and protects us from the vices of greed, envy, and arrogance.

On the other hand, when we are consumed by the desire for more, we become blinded by our ambitions and lose sight of our true purpose in life. Excessive wealth and possessions can lead to arrogance, selfishness, and a disregard for the rights of others. It can also distract us from our spiritual obligations and prevent us from focusing on the Hereafter.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a timeless reminder for Muslims to adopt a balanced approach in all aspects of life. It encourages us to be grateful for the blessings we have, to be content with what is sufficient, and to avoid the pitfalls of excess and arrogance.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the profound teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the strength to implement them in our lives. May we strive for contentment and moderation, seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all that we do. And may we be protected from the dangers of excessive accumulation and arrogance.