Hadith #8207

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:

مَا اسْتَغْنَيْتَ عَنْهُ خَيْرٌ مِمَّا اسْتَغْنَيْتَ بِهِ

which translates to

That which you have no need for is better than that through which you gain independence.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of contentment and detachment from worldly possessions.

Let us delve into the key words of this hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (istaghna) "استغنيت" is derived from the root word (ghana) "غَنَى", which means to be self-sufficient or independent. It refers to a state where one does not rely on others for their needs. The word (khayr) "خَيْرٌ" means better or superior. And the word (mimma) "مِمَّا" means than.

To comprehend the profound wisdom behind this hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 55: (So let not their wealth or their children impress you. Allah only intends to punish them through them in worldly life and that their souls should depart [at death] while they are disbelievers.)

فَلَا تُعْجِبْكَ أَمْوَالُهُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُهُمْ ۚ إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُعَذِّبَهُم بِهَا فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَتَزْهَقَ أَنفُسُهُمْ وَهُمْ كَافِرُونَ

This verse reminds us that material possessions and worldly attachments should not be a source of admiration or envy. They are transient and do not hold any real value in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). In fact, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) may use these very possessions as a means of punishment for those who are attached to them and reject the truth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement further emphasizes the importance of detachment from worldly possessions. It teaches us that what we do not need, what we can live without, is actually better for us. When we are not dependent on material possessions, we are free from the distractions and burdens that come with them. We become more focused on our spiritual growth and our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 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 - like the example of a rain whose [resulting] plant growth pleases the tillers; then it dries and you see it turned yellow; then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.)

اعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا لَعِبٌ وَلَهْوٌ وَزِينَةٌ وَتَفَاخُرٌ بَيْنَكُمْ وَتَكَاثُرٌ فِي الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَوْلَادِ ۖ كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَعْجَبَ الْكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُ ثُمَّ يَهِيجُ فَتَرَاهُ مُصْفَرًّا ثُمَّ يَكُونُ حُطَامًا ۖ وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرِضْوَانٌ ۚ وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا مَتَاعُ الْغُرُورِ

This verse reminds us that the life of this world is temporary and deceptive. It is filled with distractions and temptations that divert us from the true purpose of our existence. The pursuit of wealth, possessions, and worldly status is nothing more than an illusion. It is only through detachment from these temporary pleasures that we can find true contentment and focus on the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that true independence lies in detachment from worldly possessions. When we are not attached to material wealth, we are not burdened by the constant need to acquire more. We are free from the anxieties and worries that come with the pursuit of worldly gains. Instead, we focus on cultivating our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seeking His pleasure.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of contentment and detachment from worldly possessions. It reminds us that what we do not need is actually better for us, as it frees us from the distractions and burdens of materialism. By focusing on our spiritual growth and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), we attain true independence and find lasting fulfillment. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.