Hadith #10414

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) emphasizes the importance of humility, contentment, moderation, and self-restraint in the pursuit of a righteous life. Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first word to examine is (Humble) "ذَلِّلْ", which means to lower oneself or to submit in obedience. This word highlights the need for humility in our actions and attitudes. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of humility in the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah says,

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.

This verse reminds us that true nobility lies in righteousness, not in worldly status or wealth. By humbling ourselves before Allah and submitting to His commands, we can attain true honor and success.

The next word is (obedience) "الطّاعَةِ", which refers to obedience to Allah's commands. Obedience to Allah is a fundamental principle in Islam, as Allah says in the Quran (3:31),

Say, [O Muhammad], 'If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as a means of attaining Allah's love and forgiveness. By humbling ourselves through obedience to Allah's commands, we demonstrate our devotion and submission to Him.

The next word is (contentment) "القَناعَةِ", which means to be satisfied and grateful with what Allah has provided. Contentment is a quality that is highly praised in Islam. Allah says in the Quran (7:10),

And We have certainly created you in pairs and made your sleep [a means for] rest and made the night as clothing and made the day for livelihood.

This verse reminds us that Allah has provided us with everything we need for our sustenance and well-being. By being content with what we have, we can avoid the trap of greed and materialism, and find true peace and satisfaction in our hearts.

The next phrase is (reduce your wants) "وَخَفِّضْ فِي الطَّلَبِ", which encourages us to be moderate in our desires and ambitions. Islam teaches us to strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual obligations. Allah says in the Quran (28:77),

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 prioritize our eternal life in the Hereafter while also fulfilling our responsibilities in this world. By reducing our excessive wants and focusing on what truly matters, we can lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.

The final phrase is (be moderate in your earning) "وَأَجْمِلْ فِي الْمُكْتَسَبِ", which advises us to be moderate in our pursuit of wealth and to earn through lawful means. Islam encourages us to seek halal (lawful) means of sustenance and to avoid any form of exploitation or dishonesty in our financial dealings. Allah says in the Quran (2:188),

And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].

This verse reminds us of the importance of earning our wealth through honest and ethical means. By being moderate in our earning and ensuring its legitimacy, we can maintain our integrity and seek the blessings of Allah in our sustenance.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to cultivate humility, contentment, moderation, and self-restraint in their lives. By humbling ourselves through obedience to Allah, being content with His blessings, reducing our excessive wants, and earning through lawful means, we can attain spiritual growth, inner peace, and the pleasure of Allah. May Allah guide us all to embody these virtues and grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.