Hadith #4399

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

اِرْضَ مِنَ الرِّزقِ بِما قُسِمَ لَكَ تَعِشْ غَنيّاً۔

This can be translated as,

Be satisfied with the sustenance that has been apportioned for you and you will live a life of prosperity.

Let us delve into the meaning of the important words in this Hadith. The word (irza) "اِرْضَ" means to be content, satisfied, and pleased with what one has. (ar-rizq) "الرِّزقِ" refers to sustenance, provisions, and blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bestows upon His creation. (bi-ma) "بِما" means with what, indicating that we should be content with the sustenance that has been apportioned for us. (qusima) "قُسِمَ" means to be divided, distributed, or allotted. (ta'ish) "تَعِشْ" means to live, exist, or lead a life. And finally, (ghaniyyan) "غَنيّاً" means to be wealthy, prosperous, or self-sufficient.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 286, (2:286)

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This ayah reminds us that Allah, in His infinite wisdom, has apportioned sustenance for each individual according to their capacity to bear it. Therefore, we should be content with what we have been given, knowing that it is the best for us.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Talaq, Ayah 7, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (65:3)

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah and being content with His provisions. When we trust in Allah's plan and are satisfied with what He has given us, we will find true prosperity and fulfillment in our lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, teaches us through this Hadith the importance of contentment and gratitude. By being satisfied with the sustenance that Allah has apportioned for us, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of material possessions and worldly desires. This contentment leads to inner peace, tranquility, and a sense of fulfillment.

When we are content with what we have, we are able to focus on the blessings and opportunities that Allah has bestowed upon us. We become more aware of the abundance around us and are grateful for the simplest of things. This gratitude opens the doors to even more blessings from Allah, as He promises in Surah Ibrahim, Ayah 7, (14:7)

If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]...

Moreover, being content with our sustenance allows us to prioritize our spiritual growth and the well-being of others. Instead of constantly chasing after material wealth, we can invest our time and energy in acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and helping those in need. This shift in focus not only benefits us in the Hereafter but also brings about positive change in our communities and society as a whole.

On the other hand, discontentment and greed can lead to negative consequences. When we are constantly seeking more and are never satisfied with what we have, we become trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. This can lead to envy, jealousy, and even harmful actions towards others. Allah warns us in Surah Al-Hashr, Ayah 9, (59:9)

And whoever is saved from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of contentment and satisfaction with the sustenance that Allah has apportioned for us. By being grateful for what we have and relying on Allah's plan, we can attain true prosperity and lead a fulfilling life. Let us strive to cultivate contentment in our hearts, appreciating the blessings we have been given and using them to serve Allah and His creation. May Allah grant us the wisdom to be content and the ability to live a life of prosperity.