Hadith #4445

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

From the most excellent faith is being pleased with whatever [divine] decree brings.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of having complete satisfaction and contentment with the decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of life. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its essence in the light of the Quran.

The word (faith) "إيمان" in this Hadith refers to the belief and conviction in the heart, which is manifested through actions and attitudes. It encompasses not only the belief in the existence of Allah, but also the acceptance of His divine decree and wisdom. The word (pleasure) "رضا" signifies a state of contentment, satisfaction, and submission to the will of Allah. It implies that a true believer should not only accept the decree of Allah but also be pleased with it, recognizing that it is ultimately for their own benefit.

This concept of being pleased with the divine decree is beautifully illustrated in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216),

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 our limited knowledge and understanding cannot comprehend the wisdom behind every decree of Allah. What may seem unfavorable to us in the present moment may actually be a means of immense goodness and blessings in the long run.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Kahf (18:82), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) narrates the story of Prophet Musa (Moses) and Khidr. When Khidr performed actions that seemed unjust or irrational to Prophet Musa, he questioned him. However, Khidr explained that there was divine wisdom behind his actions, which Musa could not comprehend. This story serves as a powerful reminder that we must trust in the wisdom of Allah's decree, even if it appears perplexing or contrary to our expectations.

Being pleased with the divine decree does not mean that we should passively accept any adversity or injustice without taking action. It means that while striving for justice and making efforts to improve our circumstances, we should ultimately surrender to the will of Allah and trust in His plan. This attitude of contentment and submission brings about inner peace and tranquility, as we acknowledge that Allah's knowledge and wisdom surpasses our own.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, exemplified this concept throughout his life. Despite facing numerous trials and tribulations, he remained steadfast and content with the decree of Allah. His unwavering faith and trust in Allah's plan serve as an inspiration for all Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of being pleased with whatever divine decree brings. It calls upon us to have complete faith in Allah's wisdom and to trust in His plan, even when faced with difficulties or hardships. By embracing this attitude of contentment and submission, we can attain inner peace and strengthen our relationship with Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to embody this noble trait of faith and may He bless us with true contentment in all aspects of our lives.