Hadith #8828

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, "مَنْ قَنِعَ شَبِعَ۔" which translates to

One who is content gets satiated.

This concise statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) carries profound wisdom and guidance for all Muslims.

Let us first delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (qani'a) "قَنِعَ" refers to being content or satisfied with what one has, while (shabi'a) "شَبِعَ" means to be satiated or fulfilled. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is teaching us that true contentment leads to a state of fulfillment and satisfaction.

To understand the deeper significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of contentment and gratitude in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152), Allah says,

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

This verse reminds us to be grateful to Allah and acknowledge His blessings, which in turn leads to contentment.

Another verse that highlights the significance of contentment is found in Surah At-Talaq (65:3), where Allah says,

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

This verse reassures us that placing our trust in Allah and being content with His decree will bring us peace and fulfillment.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder that true satisfaction and fulfillment can only be attained through contentment. When we are constantly seeking more and never satisfied with what we have, we fall into a never-ending cycle of discontentment and unhappiness. However, when we learn to be content with what Allah has blessed us with, we experience a sense of fulfillment and tranquility.

Contentment does not mean complacency or stagnation. It does not imply that we should not strive for improvement or betterment in our lives. Rather, it means being grateful for what we have while actively working towards our goals and aspirations. Contentment allows us to appreciate the blessings in our lives and find joy in the present moment, without constantly yearning for more.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement also highlights the dangers of greed and materialism. In today's world, we are bombarded with messages that encourage us to constantly seek more wealth, possessions, and status. However, this insatiable desire for more can lead to spiritual emptiness and dissatisfaction.

By practicing contentment, we break free from the shackles of materialism and find true fulfillment in our relationship with Allah. We learn to prioritize our spiritual growth and the well-being of others over the accumulation of worldly possessions. Contentment allows us to live a simpler and more meaningful life, focused on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter rather than the temporary pleasures of this world.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder for all Muslims to cultivate contentment in their lives. By being grateful for the blessings we have and trusting in Allah's wisdom and decree, we can attain true satisfaction and fulfillment. Let us strive to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and find peace in the state of contentment, knowing that it is through this state that we can truly be satiated. May Allah guide us all on the path of contentment and grant us the wisdom to recognize and appreciate His blessings.