Hadith #3811

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Every provision of this world is trivial for the contented and the chaste.

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the importance of contentment and chastity in our lives. To better understand the meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their significance.

The word "provision" in Arabic is (مُؤَنِ) "muan", which refers to the material possessions and resources that we acquire in this world. It includes wealth, food, clothing, and other worldly possessions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes these provisions as "trivial" or (خَفيفَةٌ) "light" for two types of individuals: the contented (القانِعِ) and the chaste (العَفيفِ).

Contentment (القانِعِ) is a state of being satisfied and grateful with what Allah has bestowed upon us. It is the opposite of greed and excessive desire for worldly possessions. The contented person recognizes that true happiness does not lie in accumulating material wealth, but rather in being grateful for what they already have. They are not easily swayed by the allure of worldly possessions and are content with what Allah has provided them.

Chastity (العَفيفِ) refers to purity and modesty in all aspects of life, including one's thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. It encompasses not only abstaining from physical impurities but also guarding oneself against immoral and unethical behavior. The chaste person is mindful of their actions and strives to maintain a high moral standard in all aspects of life.

To further understand the significance of contentment and chastity, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety).

This verse reminds us that the true provision we should seek is not material wealth but rather piety and righteousness. It is through cultivating taqwa that we can attain contentment and chastity in our lives.

In Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 encourages us to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while not neglecting our responsibilities and provisions in this world. It reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our ultimate goal of attaining Paradise.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the insignificance of worldly provisions for the contented and the chaste. When one is content with what Allah has provided and maintains purity in their thoughts and actions, the allure of material possessions loses its grip on them. They are not consumed by the pursuit of wealth and possessions, as their focus is on seeking the pleasure of Allah and preparing for the eternal life in the Hereafter.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize contentment and chastity in their lives. It teaches us that true happiness and fulfillment lie in being grateful for what we have and striving for moral excellence. By embodying these qualities, we can free ourselves from the constant pursuit of worldly possessions and find tranquility in our hearts.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be content and chaste, and may He bless us with the provision of piety and righteousness. Ameen.