Hadith #4137

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all 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) highlights a profound insight into the nature of material possessions and wealth. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that there are certain things that appear to be abundant when we gather them together, but when we divide or distribute them, they seem to be less significant.

To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of some key words. The word (ashya') "أشْياءُ" refers to things or possessions, while (nastakthiruha) "نَسْتَكْثِرُها" means to amass or accumulate them in large quantities. On the other hand, (nastaqilluha) "نَسْتَقِلُّها" signifies the act of dividing or distributing these possessions.

This Hadith draws our attention to the fact that our perception of wealth and possessions is often influenced by how we gather or distribute them. When we collect things together, they may appear to be abundant and valuable. However, when we divide or distribute them, their significance diminishes in our eyes.

This profound insight from Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) resonates with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20) that worldly possessions and wealth are merely temporary and fleeting:

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.

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of worldly possessions and highlights the importance of focusing on the eternal life of the Hereafter. The accumulation of wealth and possessions should not be the primary goal of a Muslim's life, as they hold no lasting value.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us that true wealth lies in the remembrance of Allah and the pursuit of righteous deeds:

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 importance of striking a balance between worldly affairs and the pursuit of the Hereafter. While we are encouraged to seek the blessings of this world, our ultimate focus should be on the eternal life to come.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that the true value of wealth lies not in its accumulation, but in its proper distribution and utilization for the betterment of society. When we amass wealth for personal gain and fail to share it with those in need, its significance diminishes. However, when we divide our wealth and use it to alleviate the suffering of others, it becomes a means of earning the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

This Hadith also highlights the importance of contentment and gratitude. When we constantly strive for more and accumulate possessions without considering their true worth, we become trapped in a cycle of materialism and discontentment. However, when we learn to appreciate and be grateful for what we have, we find true contentment and satisfaction.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect on the nature of wealth and possessions. It teaches us that true value lies not in accumulation, but in proper distribution and utilization for the betterment of society. By understanding the transient nature of worldly possessions and focusing on the pursuit of the Hereafter, we can find true contentment and earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of this Hadith in our lives.