Hadith #6131

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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:

لاتَطْمَعْ فيما لا تَسْتَحِقُّ۔

This can be translated as:

Do not covet that which you do not deserve.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries a significant message for Muslims, reminding us of the importance of righteousness, fairness, and contentment in our lives.

Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (tam'a) "طمع" means to covet or desire something eagerly. It implies a strong desire for something that one does not possess. The word (tastahiq) "تستحق" means to deserve or be worthy of something. It refers to the rightful entitlement or qualification to possess or attain something.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of justice and fairness in various verses. In Surah Al-Hujurat, Allah says, (Quran 4:135)

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives

This verse highlights the significance of deserving what we desire and being just even if it goes against our personal interests.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 17:34)

And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned

This verse emphasizes the importance of not coveting or taking what does not rightfully belong to us, especially in the case of vulnerable individuals such as orphans.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to be content with what they deserve and not to desire or seek that which is not rightfully theirs. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and intentions, reminding us to be just and fair in our dealings with others.

Coveting that which we do not deserve can have detrimental consequences. It can lead to greed, envy, and injustice. When we desire something that we are not entitled to, we may resort to unethical means to attain it, such as cheating, lying, or exploiting others. This behavior goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize honesty, integrity, and fairness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) beautiful saying also highlights the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness. It urges us to evaluate our own worthiness and qualifications before desiring something. This introspection helps us develop a sense of contentment and gratitude for what we already possess, rather than constantly yearning for more.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to be content with what they deserve and not to covet that which is not rightfully theirs. It emphasizes the importance of justice, fairness, and self-reflection in our lives. By adhering to these principles, we can cultivate a sense of righteousness, contentment, and harmony in our personal and societal affairs. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to deserve what we desire.