Hadith #8866

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "القِنْيَةُ سَلِبٌ۔" This can be translated as,

Acquisitions are deprivation [from peace of mind].

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (al-qinayah) "القِنْيَةُ" refers to the act of acquiring or possessing material wealth, while (salib) "سَلِبٌ" signifies deprivation or loss. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting the inherent nature of material acquisitions, which often lead to a sense of deprivation or a lack of peace of mind.

This concept resonates with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us in Surah Al-Taghabun (64:15) that the worldly life is nothing but a temporary enjoyment, and that the true life is the one in the Hereafter. The pursuit of material possessions can distract us from our ultimate purpose and lead to dissatisfaction and restlessness.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that the beautification of worldly possessions, such as wealth and children, is only temporary. These possessions may bring temporary comfort and pleasure, but they cannot provide lasting contentment or inner peace. True peace of mind lies in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteousness.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us against being deceived by the life of this world and its temporary attractions. He emphasizes that the real success lies in the remembrance of Allah and the righteous actions that lead to eternal rewards. Material acquisitions, if not approached with moderation and gratitude, can become a source of distraction and dissatisfaction, ultimately depriving us of true peace of mind.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is reminding us of the consequences of excessive attachment to worldly possessions. When we become overly consumed with acquiring material wealth, we may neglect our spiritual development and lose sight of our ultimate purpose in life. This can lead to a sense of emptiness, anxiety, and a lack of inner peace.

Let us reflect on the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. They were not immune to the challenges of this world, but they maintained a balanced approach to material possessions. They understood that true peace of mind comes from seeking the pleasure of Allah and serving others selflessly.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to maintain a balanced perspective on material acquisitions. While it is natural to seek a comfortable life, we should not allow our pursuit of worldly possessions to overshadow our spiritual growth and inner peace. True contentment lies in the remembrance of Allah, the pursuit of righteousness, and the selfless service of others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to prioritize our spiritual well-being and find true peace of mind.