Hadith #8464

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

قَليلٌ يُفْتَقَرُ إلَيْهِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ كَثير يُسْتَغْنى عَنْهُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the superiority of a small amount that is needed over a large amount that is not needed. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran.

The word (qalil) "قَليلٌ" in the Hadith refers to a small quantity or a limited amount. It signifies something that is modest or meager in comparison to a larger quantity. On the other hand, the word (kathir) "كَثير" means plenty or abundance. It represents an excessive amount or an abundance that surpasses one's needs.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80):

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah, rather than relying solely on material possessions. It teaches us that true sustenance comes from Allah, and it is not merely limited to material wealth.

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

But seek, with the (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do mischief.

This verse reminds us that our focus should not solely be on accumulating worldly possessions, but rather on seeking the blessings of the Hereafter. It encourages us to utilize the wealth bestowed upon us by Allah for righteous deeds and to avoid causing harm or mischief.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of contentment and gratitude. It teaches us that having a small amount that fulfills our needs is far superior to possessing an abundance that leads to arrogance and heedlessness. The little that one is in need of keeps a person grounded, humble, and reliant on Allah's blessings. It serves as a reminder of our dependence on Allah and encourages us to be grateful for what we have.

In contrast, having an excessive amount that exceeds our needs can lead to arrogance, wastefulness, and a false sense of self-sufficiency. It can distract us from our spiritual journey and cause us to neglect our duties towards Allah and our fellow human beings. The Quran warns against such behavior in Surah Al-Hadid (57:23), where Allah says:

That ye may not get weary in supplicating for the Bounty of Allah: for Allah ceaseth not to grant all that is good: but on the contrary men's hearts are weary of supplication for all that is good, and they are in fact infidels in consequence of their envy, which they cherish in their hearts against mankind.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, we can see its profound implications for our lives as Muslims. It teaches us to prioritize our needs over our wants, to be content with what we have, and to seek sustenance from Allah rather than relying solely on material possessions. It reminds us to be grateful for the blessings we have been given and to use them in a manner that pleases Allah and benefits others.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to prioritize their needs over their wants and to be content with what Allah has provided. It encourages us to seek sustenance from Allah and to utilize our blessings in a manner that pleases Him. May Allah grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.