Hadith #8848

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "نِعْمَ الحَظُّ القَناعَةُ" which translates to

The best fortune is contentment.

This concise statement holds profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims in their pursuit of a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (hazzu) "حَظُّ" refers to fortune or luck, indicating something that is bestowed upon an individual. It implies that contentment is not merely a personal achievement, but a divine blessing from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (qana'ah) "قَناعَةُ" refers to contentment, satisfaction, and being pleased with what one has. It is the opposite of greed, envy, and constant desire for more.

To support the wisdom of this Hadith, we find numerous verses in the Quran that emphasize the virtue of contentment. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152),

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse reminds us of the importance of gratitude and contentment in our relationship with Allah. By being content with what Allah has provided us, we demonstrate our gratitude and trust in His divine wisdom.

Another verse that complements the Hadith is found in Surah At-Talaq (65:3), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights the concept of tawakkul, or reliance on Allah, which is closely intertwined with contentment. When we trust in Allah's plan and are satisfied with His decree, we find inner peace and tranquility.

The exegesis of this Hadith leads us to reflect on the profound wisdom it holds. Contentment is not merely a passive acceptance of one's circumstances, but an active choice to find happiness and fulfillment in what Allah has provided. It is a state of mind that allows us to appreciate the blessings in our lives, no matter how small they may seem.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to cultivate contentment because it brings numerous benefits to our spiritual and emotional well-being. When we are content, we are shielded from the negative effects of envy, greed, and materialism. Contentment allows us to focus on the present moment and appreciate the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. It frees us from the constant pursuit of worldly desires, which often lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Moreover, contentment enables us to develop a sense of gratitude towards Allah. By recognizing and being grateful for the blessings in our lives, we strengthen our relationship with our Creator. Gratitude is a powerful spiritual practice that brings us closer to Allah and increases our overall sense of well-being.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true fortune lies in contentment. By being satisfied with what Allah has provided us, we find inner peace, gratitude, and a deeper connection with our Creator. Let us strive to cultivate contentment in our lives and seek the blessings that come with it. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody this noble virtue.