Abu Darda's reply to wife

(178) Umm-I-Darda, wife of Abu Darda, related to us that [once] she said to her husband, “What is the matter? Why do you not make a request for wealth and position as such-and-such do?” Abu Darda replied, “I have heard the Apostle of God say: “Ahead of you lies a difficult valley which the heavily burdened shall not be able to cross easily'. So, I want to stay light for crossing the valley [and do not ask for wealth and position].”
-Baihaqi
Commentary.-Conditions had improved so much during the last phase of the Prophet's life, and, after him, during the days of the first four Caliphs that goods used to come in from various sources and were distributed to the poor and those in want. In the same way, many people were appointed to public offices for which they received a suitable remuneration, and, thereby, it became possible for them to live comfortably. But, even at that time, some of the Companions preferred a life of poverty for themselves and Abu Darda was one of them. They believed that safety against the ordeals of the Judgement Day lay in taking as little a share in material comfort as possible and passing, somehow, the days allotted to them on earth. The Prophet had told them that only those will cross the perilous valleys of the Hereafter safely who are lightly burdened in the world while those who will load themselves to excess with worldly goods and connections shall experience much difficulty.

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