Comfort-loving people increase the necessities of life so much that a drop becomes a sea.
On the other hand imam Amir al-Muminin Ali (a.s) reduced the necessities of life to such an extent that the sea was reduced to a cup. All the necessities of life were so less that lesser than it is not possible. He was content with whatever came his way and thanked the Almighty. The desire to hoard or save anything never arose. He never stored anything more than was needed.
The thought of tomorrow never bothered him, neither was he aggrieved at what was happening that day. During the time of his caliphate he had control over the Islamic wealth.
At this time also imam Ali (a.s) was the same. He still ate the same barley bread soaked in salted water, wore the same patched dress, sat on the ground created by Allah(God) and the same broken sack was Ali’s seat. Whatever share of stipend he received from the public treasury he gave it all away to the destitutes and the needy people. Then he relied on the Almighty and maintained self-control. He was only trying to have just sufficient strength to enable him to survive and always strived to gain the pleasure of Allah.
The minimum needed for life was maximum for imam Ali (a.s). He remained hungry often through two meal times. Never asked anyone for anything. Always obtained livelihood through hard work. Never complained to Allah. He was happy in whatever condition Allah kept him. More than himself, he cared for others. Always tried to assure that none should sleep hungry, though himself often remained hungry.
Reference:
Akhlaq al-A’imma, Morals & Manners of the Holy Imams, p 107
