Hadith #3753

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) advises us to take from the little of this world that is sufficient for us, and to leave from its abundance that which leads us to transgress. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran.

The word (qalil) "قَلِيل" in the Hadith refers to the little or limited portion of this worldly life. It emphasizes the importance of moderation and contentment, encouraging us to be satisfied with what is necessary for our needs. This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 201:

And of them are some who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter.

This verse reminds us that our focus should not solely be on accumulating worldly possessions, but rather on seeking the rewards of the Hereafter.

On the other hand, the word (kathir) "كَثِير" in the Hadith refers to the abundance or excess of this world. It warns us against being consumed by materialism and the pursuit of worldly desires, as it can lead us to transgress the boundaries set by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Isra, verse 37:

And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height.

This verse serves as a reminder that our arrogance and excessive indulgence in worldly matters will not bring us any true benefit or elevate our status.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice encourages us to strike a balance between our worldly needs and our spiritual aspirations. It teaches us the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world. By taking only what is sufficient and leaving the excess, we can free ourselves from the burdens of materialism and focus on fulfilling our duties towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and our fellow human beings.

This Hadith also highlights the wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His profound understanding of the Quranic teachings allowed him to provide practical guidance for Muslims in navigating the challenges of this world. He exemplified this balance in his own life, as he was known for his simplicity and detachment from worldly possessions, despite his immense knowledge and authority.

By following the advice of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in this Hadith, we can strive to maintain a healthy perspective on the material world. We should seek what is necessary for our sustenance and well-being, while being mindful of the potential pitfalls of excessive attachment to worldly possessions. Ultimately, our focus should be on seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the eternal life in the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to implement the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives, and may He guide us to the path of moderation and contentment. Ameen.