Hadith #4958

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he imparts valuable wisdom to all Muslims. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its essence in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins with the statement,

One who loves security must prefer poverty [over wealth].

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of prioritizing security and tranquility over material wealth. The word (salama) "سَلَامَةَ" refers to safety, well-being, and peace. It encompasses both physical and spiritual security. To attain this desired state, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to choose poverty over wealth.

This does not mean that poverty is inherently virtuous or that wealth is inherently evil. Rather, it emphasizes the detachment from material possessions and the pursuit of a simple and humble lifestyle. By choosing poverty, one can free themselves from the anxieties and distractions that often accompany wealth. This choice allows for a focus on spiritual growth and the attainment of true peace and contentment.

The Quran supports this concept in various verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that material wealth can sometimes burden us with responsibilities and temptations that may hinder our spiritual growth. By choosing poverty, we lighten our burdens and create space for spiritual development.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children.

This verse highlights the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the distractions they bring. By embracing poverty, we detach ourselves from the temporary allurements of this world and focus on the eternal rewards of the hereafter.

The second part of the Hadith states,

One who loves comfort must prefer abstinence from pleasures in this world.

Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to prioritize spiritual contentment over worldly comforts. The word (raha) "رَاحَةَ" refers to ease, comfort, and luxury. It encompasses all forms of worldly pleasures that may distract us from our spiritual journey.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to practice (zuhd) "زُّهْدَ", which is the concept of abstaining from excessive indulgence in worldly pleasures. By doing so, we develop a sense of detachment from material desires and focus on the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment. This does not mean complete renunciation of worldly pleasures, but rather a moderation and control over our desires.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of practicing zuhd. 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 reminds us to strike a balance between our worldly responsibilities and our spiritual aspirations. By practicing zuhd, we ensure that our pursuit of comfort and pleasure does not overshadow our ultimate goal of attaining paradise.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) enlightening words in this Hadith serve as a reminder for all Muslims to prioritize security, tranquility, and spiritual contentment over material wealth and worldly comforts. By choosing poverty and practicing zuhd, we can attain a state of inner peace and focus on our journey towards the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.