Hadith #8842

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,

مَنْ رَغِبَ فِي نَعِيمِ الآخِرَةِ قَنِعَ بِيَسِيرِ الدُّنْيَا

which translates to,

One who desires the blessings of the Hereafter is contented with the little [he has] of this world.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the important words used in this Hadith. The word (raghiba) "رَغِبَ" means to desire or long for something, specifically in this context, the blessings and rewards of the Hereafter. (na'eem al-akhirah) "نَعِيمِ الآخِرَةِ" refers to the bliss and delights of the Hereafter, the eternal life that awaits the believers. (qani'a) "قَنِعَ" signifies contentment and satisfaction, being pleased with what one possesses. Finally, (biyaseer al-dunya) "بِيَسِيرِ الدُّنْيَا" refers to the little or insignificant portion of this worldly life.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of contentment and detachment from worldly possessions for those who aspire for the rewards and blessings of the Hereafter. It teaches us that true success lies not in accumulating wealth and material possessions, but in being content with what Allah has provided us in this worldly life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to prioritize the eternal rewards of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world.

The Quran provides several verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201),

And of them are some who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the balanced supplication of seeking goodness in both this world and the Hereafter, acknowledging the importance of both realms while prioritizing the Hereafter.

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

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.

This verse reminds us to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while not neglecting our responsibilities and obligations in this world. It emphasizes the need for balance and contentment, as Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) also advises.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to reflect on their priorities and aspirations. It encourages us to detach ourselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world and focus on the everlasting rewards of the Hereafter. By being content with the little we have in this world, we free ourselves from the constant desire for more, allowing us to invest our time and energy in actions that will benefit us in the Hereafter.

This Hadith teaches us to adopt a mindset of gratitude and contentment, recognizing that true success lies in seeking the pleasure of Allah and the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. It reminds us that the pursuit of worldly possessions and wealth should not consume us, but rather, we should prioritize our spiritual growth and the development of our relationship with Allah. By being content with what we have, we can find peace and tranquility in our hearts, knowing that our ultimate goal is the attainment of Paradise.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the blessings of the Hereafter over the transient pleasures of this world. It teaches us the importance of contentment and detachment from worldly possessions, urging us to seek the eternal rewards that await us in the Hereafter. By embodying the spirit of this Hadith, we can lead a life of gratitude, balance, and spiritual fulfillment, ultimately attaining success in both this world and the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.