Hadith #560

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,

One who longs for the bounties of the Hereafter is content with little in this world.

This beautiful Hadith highlights the importance of prioritizing the eternal rewards of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this worldly life.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (raghiba) "رَغِبَ" means to desire or long for something. In this context, it refers to the intense longing and yearning for the blessings and rewards of the Hereafter. The word (na'eem) "نَعِيمِ" refers to the abundant blessings, delights, and pleasures that await the believers in the Hereafter. And the word (qani'a) "قَنِعَ" means to be content or satisfied with something. In this Hadith, it signifies being content with the minimal provisions and luxuries of this worldly life.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Kahf (18:46),

Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.

This verse emphasizes that the true value lies in the everlasting good deeds that we accumulate in this life, as they will be the means of attaining the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Similarly, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:201), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises the believers,

But among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the balanced approach that Muslims should adopt, seeking goodness and blessings in both this world and the Hereafter. However, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us to prioritize the Hereafter over the worldly possessions and desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to detach themselves from the materialistic pursuits of this world and focus on the ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in the Hereafter. By being content with little in this world, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of wealth and possessions, allowing us to dedicate our time and resources to acts of worship, charity, and seeking knowledge.

This Hadith encourages us to reflect on our priorities and reevaluate our attachment to worldly possessions. It reminds us that the true measure of success lies in our dedication to the Hereafter and our pursuit of righteousness. By being content with little in this world, we develop a mindset of gratitude and simplicity, which helps us focus on the spiritual aspects of our lives.

Moreover, this Hadith also teaches us the importance of moderation and balance in our approach to this world. It does not advocate for complete renunciation of worldly possessions, but rather encourages us to be content with what is sufficient and necessary, without becoming excessively attached or consumed by materialism. This balance allows us to fulfill our obligations in this world while keeping our hearts and minds focused on the Hereafter.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the eternal rewards of the Hereafter over the temporary pleasures of this world. By being content with little in this world, we free ourselves from the distractions and attachments that hinder our spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of this Hadith and strive for the bounties of the Hereafter.