Hadith #9288

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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,

مَنِ اقْتَنَعَ بِالكَفافِ أدّاهُ إلَى العَفافِ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who is content with that which suffices is led by it towards virtue.

Let us now delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran. The key word in this Hadith is (iqtana'a) "اقْتَنَعَ", which means to be content or satisfied. It implies a state of inner peace and tranquility, where one is not consumed by the desire for more or excessive material possessions. This contentment is not a passive acceptance of mediocrity, but rather a conscious choice to be satisfied with what is sufficient.

The concept of contentment is beautifully emphasized in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 4:90)

And if Allah had willed, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you. So if they remove themselves from you and do not fight you and offer you peace, then Allah has not made for you a cause [for fighting] against them

This verse highlights the importance of accepting peace and contentment, even in situations where one may have the upper hand.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Talaq, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 65:2-3)

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent

These verses remind us that Allah is the ultimate provider and sustainer, and if we place our trust in Him and are content with what He has decreed for us, He will open doors of provision and blessings that we may not even anticipate.

Now, let us reflect on the consequences and motivations behind the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). When a person is content with what suffices them, they are freed from the constant pursuit of material possessions and worldly desires. This contentment leads to a virtuous life, as it allows one to focus on matters of the soul, such as worship, self-improvement, and serving others. It cultivates a sense of gratitude and humility, as one recognizes the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings were deeply rooted in the Quran. He exemplified contentment in his own life, as he lived a simple and humble existence despite his position of power and authority. His contentment allowed him to focus on the welfare of the Muslim community and the establishment of justice.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the teachings of this Hadith in our lives. We should cultivate a mindset of contentment, recognizing that true happiness and fulfillment lie not in the accumulation of material possessions, but in the pursuit of virtue and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By being content with what suffices us, we can lead a life of tranquility, gratitude, and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and find true contentment in our lives.