Hadith #4604

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

لَنْ يَفْتَقِرَ مَنْ زَهِدَ۔

This can be translated as,

He who renounces worldly pleasures will never become poor.

In this Hadith, the word (zahida) "زَهِدَ" refers to someone who abstains from or renounces the materialistic and worldly desires.

The concept of renouncing worldly pleasures is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says 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 - 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. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the worldly life except the enjoyment of delusion.

This verse highlights the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the delusion they create. It reminds Muslims that the true purpose of life is to seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and to prepare for the eternal life in the Hereafter. By renouncing worldly pleasures, one can detach themselves from the distractions and temptations of this world, and focus on their spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Another verse that supports the concept of renouncing worldly pleasures is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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 encourages Muslims to strike a balance between their worldly responsibilities and their spiritual pursuits. It reminds us that while we should not become overly attached to the material possessions and pleasures of this world, we should also not neglect our duties and responsibilities towards it. Islam teaches us to utilize the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in a responsible and righteous manner, without allowing them to distract us from our ultimate goal of attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us in this Hadith that true richness lies in contentment and detachment from worldly desires. By renouncing the pursuit of material wealth and pleasures, one can attain a state of inner peace and tranquility. This does not mean that one should live in poverty or neglect their worldly responsibilities, but rather it emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) over the temporary pleasures of this world.

When a person renounces worldly pleasures, they free themselves from the constant desire for more and the never-ending pursuit of material possessions. This detachment allows them to focus on the true purpose of their existence, which is to worship Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and seek His pleasure. By prioritizing their relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving to live a righteous life, they are rewarded with inner peace, contentment, and blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, renouncing worldly pleasures enables individuals to develop a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings they already have. Instead of constantly chasing after more, they learn to be content with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided for them. This gratitude and contentment bring about a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that cannot be achieved through material possessions alone.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson that true richness lies in renouncing worldly pleasures and prioritizing our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By detaching ourselves from the distractions and temptations of this world, we can attain inner peace, contentment, and the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us strive to follow the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seek true richness in the eternal rewards of the Hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all on the right path.