Hadith #8783

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اِقْنَعْ تَعُزُّ۔" This can be translated as,

Be content and you will gain honor.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (Iqna') "اِقْنَعْ" means to be content, satisfied, and to have a sense of sufficiency. It is a state of being content with what Allah has provided, without excessive desire for more. (Ta'uzzu) "تَعُزُّ" means to gain honor, dignity, and respect. It refers to the elevation of one's status and the recognition of their worth.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Qasas (28:80),

And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].

This verse emphasizes the importance of being content with what Allah has given us, as it is through contentment that we can truly establish prayer and fulfill our obligations. When we are content, we are able to focus on our worship and submit ourselves fully to Allah's commands. This devotion and submission to Allah's will is what brings us honor and dignity in the sight of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah says,

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of contentment in our daily lives. When we are content with what Allah has provided, we are able to navigate through life with a firm and steady approach. We are not easily swayed by the challenges and temptations of this world. This steadfastness and contentment brings us honor and strength, both in this life and in the hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, advises us to be content in order to gain honor. When we are content, we are not consumed by the desire for material possessions or worldly recognition. Instead, we focus on cultivating our inner selves and developing our relationship with Allah. This contentment allows us to rise above the distractions of this world and attain a higher level of spiritual elevation.

Being content does not mean that we should not strive for improvement or work towards achieving our goals. It means that we should be grateful for what we have while striving for more, without becoming attached to the outcome. It means finding peace and satisfaction in the journey, rather than solely focusing on the destination.

When we adopt a mindset of contentment, we are able to appreciate the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. We are able to find joy in the simple things and be grateful for the opportunities that come our way. This contentment brings tranquility to our hearts and allows us to live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson of contentment leading to honor. By being content with what Allah has provided, we are able to establish a strong connection with Him and navigate through life with steadfastness and gratitude. This contentment brings us honor and dignity in the sight of Allah, and allows us to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life. May Allah grant us the wisdom to embrace contentment and attain true honor.