Hadith #2099

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to reduce our greed and be content with the sustenance that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has allocated for us. By doing so, we will protect our faith. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The first word that requires attention is (hirsk) "حِرْصِكَ", which translates to "greed" or "desire for more." Greed is a negative trait that leads to dissatisfaction, envy, and a constant pursuit of material possessions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to reduce this greed and not let it consume us.

The next important word is (maqdoor) "مَقْدُورِ", which means

what has been allocated

or

what has been destined.

This refers to the portion of sustenance that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has decreed for each individual. It is a reminder that our sustenance is predetermined by Allah's divine wisdom and that we should be content with what we have.

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

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 relying on Allah for sustenance and seeking His blessings. It teaches us to be content with what Allah has provided and to trust in His divine plan.

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

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the balance between seeking the rewards of the Hereafter and fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. It reminds us not to become consumed by worldly desires and to maintain a righteous and balanced approach to life.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to reduce greed and be content with our allocated sustenance has profound implications for our faith. When we are constantly chasing after material possessions and worldly desires, our focus shifts away from our spiritual growth and connection with Allah. Greed can lead to neglecting our religious obligations, engaging in unethical practices, and causing harm to others.

On the other hand, when we are content with what Allah has provided, we develop a sense of gratitude and humility. We recognize that our sustenance is a blessing from Allah, and we strive to use it in a manner that pleases Him. Contentment allows us to focus on nurturing our faith, performing acts of worship, and serving others selflessly.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice serves as a reminder to Muslims of all backgrounds to reflect upon their own levels of greed and contentment. It encourages us to evaluate our priorities and align them with the teachings of the Quran. By reducing our greed and being content with our allocated sustenance, we not only protect our faith but also cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) urges us to reduce our greed and be content with the sustenance that Allah has allocated for us. This advice aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of relying on Allah, seeking the rewards of the Hereafter, and maintaining a balanced approach to life. By practicing contentment, we protect our faith, cultivate gratitude, and strive for a deeper connection with Allah. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the strength to overcome our greed and find contentment in His blessings.