Hadith #3941

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Little of this world suffices and plenty of it destroys.

Let us delve into the meaning of this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us analyze the key words in this Hadith. The word (yasiru) "يَسيرُ" means "little" or "a small amount." It signifies the idea of contentment with modest worldly possessions. The word (kathiruha) "كَثيرُها" means "plenty" or "an abundance." It highlights the dangers and negative consequences of excessive attachment to worldly possessions.

The Quran provides us with numerous verses that emphasize the importance of contentment and warn against the perils of materialism. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 201:

And of 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 reminds us that seeking goodness in this world is not forbidden, but it should not overshadow our pursuit of goodness in the Hereafter. We should strive for a balanced approach, seeking both worldly success and spiritual growth. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith echoes this sentiment by cautioning against excessive attachment to worldly possessions.

Furthermore, the Quran warns us about the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the consequences of becoming too engrossed in them. In Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

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.

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly possessions and the futility of excessive attachment to them. Just as the rainwater nourishes the plants temporarily, worldly possessions bring temporary pleasure and satisfaction. However, they eventually fade away, leaving behind nothing but debris. Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that excessive attachment to worldly possessions can lead to destruction and disappointment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his statement in this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of the human condition. He recognized that excessive attachment to worldly possessions can lead to spiritual stagnation, greed, and a neglect of one's duties towards Allah and fellow human beings. By urging us to be content with little, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to prioritize our spiritual growth and the pursuit of eternal rewards over temporary worldly gains.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly pursuits and their spiritual obligations. It cautions against excessive attachment to material possessions, which can lead to destruction and spiritual decline. By being content with little and focusing on the Hereafter, we can attain true success and fulfillment in both worlds. May Allah guide us all to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and grant us the wisdom to prioritize our eternal well-being over temporary worldly gains.