Hadith #360

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "كُلُّ مُقْتَصَرٍعَلَيْهِ كَافٍ۔" This can be translated as:

Every small thing that is contented upon, suffices.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (muqtasar) "مُقْتَصَرٍ" refers to something that is limited or restricted in nature. It implies a sense of scarcity or insufficiency. On the other hand, the word (kafin) "كَافٍ" means sufficient or enough. It denotes a state of contentment and satisfaction.

When Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) says that every small thing that is contented upon suffices, he is highlighting the importance of being content with what we have, regardless of its size or quantity. This enlightening Hadith encourages us to find contentment in the blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us, no matter how limited or restricted they may seem.

The Quran beautifully emphasizes the virtue of contentment in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (Quran 14:7)

And [recall] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

This verse reminds us that gratitude and contentment go hand in hand. When we are grateful for the blessings we have, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase them.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Talaq, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states: (Quran 65:3)

And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him.

This verse reassures us that when we place our trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and are content with what He has provided, He will be sufficient for us. He will take care of our needs and fulfill our desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for us to find contentment in the small things in life. It teaches us to appreciate the blessings that may seem insignificant or limited, for they are sufficient for our needs. By adopting an attitude of contentment, we can free ourselves from the constant pursuit of material possessions and worldly desires, which often lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

For example, imagine a person who possesses great wealth but is constantly consumed by a desire for more. Despite their abundance, they are never satisfied and always feel a sense of lack. On the other hand, another individual may have limited resources but is content with what they have. They find joy and fulfillment in the simple pleasures of life. This person experiences a sense of sufficiency and inner peace.

The consequences of embracing Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wisdom are profound. When we learn to be content with what we have, we cultivate a mindset of gratitude and appreciation. This mindset allows us to focus on the blessings in our lives rather than what is lacking. It enables us to find happiness and fulfillment in the present moment, rather than constantly chasing after the next big thing.

Moreover, embracing contentment helps us develop a sense of detachment from material possessions. We realize that true happiness does not lie in accumulating wealth or possessions, but rather in the state of our hearts and our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). This realization frees us from the shackles of consumerism and allows us to prioritize our spiritual growth and connection with the Divine.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Every small thing that is contented upon, suffices,

serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to find contentment in the blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. By embracing this wisdom, we can cultivate gratitude, detach ourselves from material possessions, and find true happiness and fulfillment in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be content and grateful, and may He bless us with sufficiency in all aspects of our lives.