Hadith #8482

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states:

مُلُوكُ الدُّنْيا والآخِرَةِ الفُقَراءُ الرّاضُونَ

which translates to

The kings of this world and the Hereafter are the poor who are satisfied [with what they have].

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (muluk) "مُلُوكُ" refers to kings or rulers, indicating individuals who possess power, authority, and control. (ad-dunya) "الدُّنْيا" refers to the worldly life, the temporary abode in which we currently reside. (al-akhirah) "الآخِرَةِ" refers to the Hereafter, the eternal life that awaits us after death. (al-fuqara) "الفُقَراءُ" refers to the poor, those who lack material wealth or resources. And (ar-ridwan) "الرّاضُونَ" refers to those who are content, satisfied, and pleased with what they have.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20),

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 reminds us that the material possessions and wealth of this world are temporary and fleeting. They are merely a means of amusement and adornment, and they should not be the ultimate goal of our lives. The true kings and rulers, as mentioned in the Hadith, are those who recognize the insignificance of worldly possessions and prioritize their contentment and satisfaction with what Allah has provided them.

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 emphasizes the importance of seeking sustenance from Allah, the true source of all provision. The kings of this world and the Hereafter are those who rely on Allah for their sustenance and are content with whatever He provides them.

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

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 reminds us to strike a balance between seeking the rewards of the Hereafter and fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. The true kings and rulers are those who prioritize their spiritual growth and seek the pleasure of Allah, while also fulfilling their worldly obligations with integrity and righteousness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that true kingship and rulership lie in contentment and satisfaction with what Allah has bestowed upon us. It is not about accumulating wealth, power, or material possessions, but rather about recognizing the temporary nature of this world and prioritizing our spiritual growth and connection with Allah. The kings of this world and the Hereafter are those who are content with what they have, grateful for the blessings bestowed upon them, and constantly striving to please Allah in all aspects of their lives.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for us to reflect upon our own lives and priorities. Are we chasing after worldly possessions and status, or are we seeking the true kingship of contentment and satisfaction with what Allah has provided? Let us strive to be among the kings of this world and the Hereafter by cultivating a state of gratitude, contentment, and reliance on Allah, and by prioritizing our spiritual growth and connection with Him. May Allah guide us all on the path of righteousness and grant us the wisdom to understand the true meaning of this Hadith.