Hadith #9282

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

الكف عما في أيدي الناس أحد السخائين

which translates to

Restraining yourself from that which others possess is one of the two generosities.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the virtue of self-restraint and contentment, highlighting it as a form of generosity.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us analyze the key words. (al-kif) "الكف" refers to restraining or withholding oneself, while (ahad al-sakha'ayn) "أحد السخائين" means one of the two generosities. This implies that there are two types of generosity, one being the act of giving and the other being the act of restraining oneself from taking what others possess.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of contentment and self-restraint. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 4:32)

And do not wish for that by which Allah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allah of his bounty. Indeed Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing

This verse encourages us to be content with what we have been given and not to desire what others possess.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (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 provision from Allah is better and more lasting than the temporary pleasures of this world. It encourages us to restrain ourselves from coveting the possessions of others and to focus on the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate the virtue of self-restraint and contentment. By restraining ourselves from desiring what others possess, we demonstrate gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. This act of self-restraint is a form of generosity because it shows that we are willing to prioritize the well-being and happiness of others over our own desires.

Practicing self-restraint has numerous motivations and consequences. Firstly, it allows us to develop a sense of gratitude for what we have, recognizing that our possessions are gifts from Allah. This gratitude leads to contentment and inner peace, freeing us from the constant pursuit of material possessions.

Secondly, self-restraint fosters a sense of empathy and compassion towards others. When we refrain from taking what others possess, we acknowledge their rights and respect their ownership. This attitude promotes harmony and fairness within society, as it discourages greed and envy.

Moreover, self-restraint helps us to overcome the negative consequences of materialism. In a world driven by consumerism, the constant desire for more can lead to dissatisfaction, stress, and a never-ending cycle of wanting. By practicing self-restraint, we break free from this cycle and find contentment in what we already have.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words, we are reminded of his profound knowledge and wisdom. His deep understanding of the Quranic teachings allowed him to articulate this concept of self-restraint as a form of generosity. As Muslims, we should strive to emulate the character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and incorporate this virtue into our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of restraining ourselves from desiring what others possess. This act of self-restraint is considered one of the two generosities, highlighting its significance in Islam. Through the Quranic teachings of contentment and gratitude, we are reminded to prioritize the well-being of others and find peace in what Allah has blessed us with. May Allah guide us to practice self-restraint and cultivate the virtue of contentment in our lives.