Hadith #2138

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The anguish of deprivation will not be calmed until acquisition is realized.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the deep human longing for fulfillment and contentment. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (hurqah) "حُرْقَةُ" in the Hadith refers to the burning sensation of anguish and distress caused by deprivation. It signifies the intense emotional pain one feels when they are deprived of something they desire or need. This can include material possessions, relationships, opportunities, or even spiritual fulfillment. The word (al-hirman) "الحِرْمانِ" refers to the state of being deprived or denied access to what one desires.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Insan (76:2-3),

Indeed, We created man from a sperm-drop mixture that We may try him; and We made him hearing and seeing. Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful.

From these verses, we understand that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has created humans with the innate desire to seek fulfillment and happiness. We are given the faculties of hearing and seeing, which enable us to perceive the world around us and recognize the blessings bestowed upon us. However, this desire for fulfillment can sometimes lead to anguish when we are deprived of what we desire.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement emphasizes that this anguish of deprivation cannot be alleviated until acquisition is realized. In other words, true contentment and peace can only be achieved when we attain what we long for. This acquisition can be both material and spiritual.

From a material perspective, this Hadith reminds us that the pursuit of worldly possessions and desires can lead to temporary satisfaction but not lasting contentment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us 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...

True fulfillment lies not in the accumulation of material possessions, but in utilizing them for the betterment of ourselves and others.

From a spiritual perspective, this Hadith highlights the importance of seeking a deep connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The anguish of deprivation can be calmed when we acquire a strong relationship with our Creator. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) assures us in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152),

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

When we turn to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in prayer, remembrance, and gratitude, our hearts find solace and tranquility.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to reflect upon their desires and priorities. It urges us to seek fulfillment not in the temporary and fleeting pleasures of this world, but in the acquisition of spiritual virtues and a deep connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By aligning our desires with the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), we can find true contentment and inner peace.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that the anguish of deprivation can only be calmed when acquisition is realized. This acquisition encompasses both material and spiritual aspects of our lives. It encourages us to seek fulfillment in a balanced way, focusing on the acquisition of virtues, a strong relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and utilizing our worldly possessions for the betterment of ourselves and others. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand and implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.