Hadith #4838

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The felicity of a person is [in] contentment and satisfaction.

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the importance of finding true happiness and fulfillment in life through contentment and satisfaction. Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The word (سَعَادَةُ) "sa'adah" in Arabic refers to felicity, happiness, or true success. It represents a state of inner contentment and tranquility that is not dependent on external circumstances. This concept is beautifully echoed in the Quran in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 152, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse highlights the importance of remembering Allah and being grateful to Him as a means of attaining true happiness and contentment.

The word (القَنَاعَةُ) "qana'ah" in Arabic refers to contentment, satisfaction, or being pleased with what one has. It signifies a state of being content with the blessings and provisions that Allah has bestowed upon us, without constantly desiring more. The Quran beautifully emphasizes the virtue of contentment in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 201, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And among them are those who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world,' and they will have in the Hereafter no share. And among them are those who say, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse reminds us to seek the goodness of this world and the Hereafter, but also to be content with what Allah has decreed for us.

The word (الرِّضَا) "rida" in Arabic refers to satisfaction, acceptance, or being pleased with the decree of Allah. It signifies a state of complete submission to the will of Allah, even in the face of challenges and difficulties. The Quran beautifully describes the virtue of being pleased with Allah's decree in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse reminds us that Allah's wisdom surpasses our limited understanding, and that true satisfaction lies in accepting His decree with patience and trust.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the importance of finding true happiness and fulfillment through contentment and satisfaction. It teaches us that our happiness should not be dependent on material possessions or worldly achievements, but rather on our inner state of contentment and acceptance of Allah's decree. When we are content with what we have and satisfied with the will of Allah, we are able to experience true felicity and peace of mind.

Practicing contentment and satisfaction in our daily lives has profound consequences. It frees us from the constant pursuit of material possessions and societal expectations, allowing us to focus on our spiritual growth and connection with Allah. It helps us develop a positive mindset, enabling us to appreciate the blessings in our lives and find joy in the simplest of things. Contentment also protects us from envy, greed, and the negative emotions that arise from constantly comparing ourselves to others.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating a state of contentment and satisfaction in our hearts. By finding happiness in what we have and accepting Allah's decree with gratitude, we can experience true felicity and lead a fulfilling life. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of this Hadith and attain true happiness and contentment in this world and the Hereafter.