Hadith Text and Reference

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Wealth is not in having many possessions, but rather (true) wealth is feeling sufficiency in the soul."

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 6446 | Book: To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)

Linguistic Analysis

The Arabic term "ghina" (wealth) traditionally refers to material abundance, but the Prophet redefines it as "ghina al-nafs" - the soul's contentment. The word "nafs" (soul) encompasses one's entire being - spiritual, psychological, and emotional states.

Core Meaning and Wisdom

This hadith revolutionizes the understanding of wealth, shifting focus from external accumulation to internal fulfillment. True richness lies not in what one possesses, but in what possesses one's heart - contentment with divine decree (qadar) and gratitude for blessings.

The Prophet teaches that the wealthy person is he whose soul is satisfied, regardless of material circumstances. This contentment protects from greed, envy, and endless worldly pursuits.

Spiritual Implications

When the soul finds sufficiency in Allah, it becomes independent of creation. Such a person is truly free - not enslaved by desires or worldly attachments. This state reflects the highest form of trust in divine provision (tawakkul).

The hadith encourages developing "qana'ah" (contentment) - a spiritual station where one accepts what suffices without coveting what others possess.

Practical Application

Scholars explain that this teaching doesn't prohibit lawful earning, but reorients one's relationship with wealth. The believer works for livelihood while keeping the heart detached, recognizing that true value lies in spiritual riches.

This understanding transforms poverty into richness and richness into poverty based on spiritual states rather than material conditions.