Hadith #10884

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أوْرَعُ النّاسِ أنْزَهُهُمْ عَنِ المَطالِبِ

which translates to

The most pious of people is one who is most free from wants.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of contentment and detachment from worldly desires in attaining piety.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. "أوْرَعُ" refers to the most pious or righteous individuals who possess a deep sense of devotion and fear of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). "أنْزَهُهُمْ" signifies being the most free or distant from something, in this case, wants or desires. "المَطالِبِ" refers to the various material and worldly desires that human beings naturally crave.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse emphasizes that the ultimate provision for a believer is piety, which is achieved by fearing Allah and being conscious of His presence in all aspects of life. It is through this piety that one can attain true contentment and freedom from excessive wants.

Additionally, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the righteous individuals as those who

do not desire any exaltedness upon the earth, nor corruption.

This verse highlights the detachment from worldly desires and the pursuit of material gains that can lead to corruption. The truly pious individuals are content with what Allah has provided for them and do not seek excessive wealth or power.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages Muslims to strive for a state of contentment and detachment from worldly desires. By being free from excessive wants, one can focus on fulfilling their spiritual obligations and seeking closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This detachment allows individuals to prioritize their relationship with Allah and the pursuit of righteous actions over the accumulation of material possessions.

When one is free from the constant pursuit of worldly desires, they are able to dedicate their time and resources towards acts of worship, charity, and helping others. This leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life, as the focus shifts from personal gain to serving the greater good.

Moreover, detachment from worldly desires cultivates gratitude and contentment within the heart. When one is not constantly chasing after material possessions, they are more likely to appreciate and be grateful for what they already have. This gratitude strengthens their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and brings about inner peace and tranquility.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of being content and detached from worldly desires in order to attain piety. By focusing on the pursuit of spiritual growth and fulfilling our obligations to Allah, we can lead a more purposeful and fulfilling life. Let us strive to be among the most pious individuals by freeing ourselves from excessive wants and dedicating ourselves to the path of righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and guidance to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and attain true piety.