Hadith #8836

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ عَدَتْهُ القَناعَةُ لَمْ يُغْنِهِ المالُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of contentment and highlights that true wealth and enrichment do not come from material possessions alone.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word (qana'ah) "قَنَاعَةُ" refers to contentment, satisfaction, and being pleased with what one has. It is the state of being grateful and content with Allah's blessings, regardless of the quantity or quality of material possessions. (al-maal) "الْمَالُ" refers to wealth or worldly possessions.

To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:80),

And say: My Lord! Cause me to come in with a firm incoming and to go out with a firm outgoing. And give me from Thy presence a sustaining Power.

This verse highlights the importance of relying on Allah for sustenance and seeking contentment in His provisions.

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

And He will provide for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Indeed, Allah has set a measure for all things.

This verse reassures us that true enrichment comes from placing our trust in Allah and relying on Him, rather than solely relying on material wealth.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that if contentment turns away from someone, no amount of wealth can truly enrich them. This means that even if a person accumulates vast amounts of wealth, they will not find true fulfillment and happiness if they lack contentment. This is because contentment is not dependent on external circumstances, but rather on one's internal state of mind and heart.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true wealth lies in being satisfied with what Allah has provided us, regardless of whether it is abundant or limited. When we cultivate contentment, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of material possessions and the anxiety that comes with it. We learn to appreciate the blessings we have been given and find peace and tranquility in our hearts.

Moreover, the Hadith reminds us that wealth alone does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment. Many individuals who possess immense wealth still experience emptiness and dissatisfaction because they lack contentment. They are constantly chasing after more, never finding true satisfaction. On the other hand, those who possess little but are content with what they have, find richness in their hearts and a sense of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to seek contentment in their lives. It teaches us that true enrichment and happiness do not come from material possessions alone. Rather, it is through cultivating a state of contentment and gratitude for what Allah has provided that we find true wealth and fulfillment. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embrace contentment in all aspects of our lives.