Hadith #9079

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

تَكَثُّرُكَ (تَكَبُّرُكَ) بِما لايَبْقى لَكَ ولاتَبْقى لَهُ مِنْ أعْظَمِ الجَهْلِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Amassing that which does not last for you and for which you will not remain is from the greatest ignorance.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (takathuruka) "تَكَثُّرُكَ" comes from the root word (kathura) "كَثُرَ", which means to amass or accumulate. It refers to the act of gathering and hoarding worldly possessions, wealth, and material goods. The word (takabburuka) "تَكَبُّرُكَ" is derived from the root word (kabura) "كَبُرَ", which means arrogance or pride. It signifies the attitude of considering oneself superior or better than others due to the abundance of worldly possessions.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that this act of amassing wealth and material possessions, which are temporary and fleeting, is a manifestation of ignorance. It is an ignorance that blinds us to the true purpose of life and diverts our attention away from the eternal and everlasting rewards of the Hereafter.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that shed light on the importance of detachment from worldly possessions and the dangers of arrogance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Takathur (102:1-2),

The mutual rivalry for piling up (wealth) diverts you, until you visit the graves.

These verses highlight how the obsession with accumulating wealth distracts us from the ultimate reality of death and the transient nature of worldly possessions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid (57:20), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children.

This verse emphasizes that the materialistic pursuits of wealth and worldly achievements are merely temporary distractions that lead to arrogance and pride.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the consequences of this ignorance are severe. By focusing solely on amassing wealth and possessions, we neglect the development of our spiritual and moral selves. We become blinded to the needs of others, neglecting our duty to help the less fortunate and contribute to the betterment of society. This ignorance leads to a lack of contentment and inner peace, as our happiness becomes dependent on the accumulation of material goods.

Moreover, this ignorance breeds arrogance and a false sense of superiority. When we measure our worth based on our possessions, we develop a distorted view of ourselves and others. We fail to recognize the inherent value and dignity of every human being, regardless of their material wealth or social status. This arrogance creates divisions and fosters an environment of inequality and injustice.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of seeking knowledge and wisdom. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, and he warns us against falling into the trap of ignorance. True knowledge lies in recognizing the temporary nature of worldly possessions and focusing on the pursuit of spiritual growth and righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge, detachment from worldly possessions, and the avoidance of arrogance. It calls us to reflect on the transient nature of material wealth and the importance of investing in our spiritual well-being. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.