Hadith #7983

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the key to a happy and content life. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Verily the person who has the happiest life of all people is one who is satisfied with what Allah has apportioned for him.

This thought-provoking saying emphasizes the importance of contentment and acceptance of Allah's decree in our lives.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of the important words in this Hadith. The word (ahna) "أهْنَأَ" refers to the person who possesses the most happiness and contentment. (annas) "النّاسِ" denotes all people, encompassing both Shia and Sunni Muslims. (ayshan) "عَيْشاً" refers to life, encompassing all aspects of one's existence. (man) "مَنْ" signifies the person who possesses certain qualities. (kana) "كَانَ" denotes the state of being. (bima) "بِمَا" refers to what Allah has apportioned or destined for an individual. (qasama) "قَسَمَ" signifies the division or distribution of something. (Allah) "اللّهُ" refers to the Almighty, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. (radiyan) "راضِياً" signifies being pleased, content, and satisfied.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 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 Allah's wisdom surpasses our limited understanding. Sometimes, we may desire something that is not in our best interest, while Allah, in His infinite knowledge, knows what is truly beneficial for us. Therefore, being satisfied with what Allah has apportioned for us is a manifestation of our trust in His divine wisdom.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 59:

And let not those who hoard wealth and withhold it from people, thinking that they will be given it all in the Hereafter. And Allah is the Owner of the heavens and the earth. And Allah is Aware of what you do.

This verse cautions against the accumulation of wealth and the attachment to material possessions. It reminds us that true happiness and contentment lie in being grateful for what Allah has given us and using our blessings to benefit others. Hoarding wealth and withholding it from those in need is contrary to the teachings of Islam and can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true happiness is not dependent on external circumstances or material possessions. Rather, it is a state of the heart that comes from being content with what Allah has decreed for us. When we accept and embrace Allah's apportionment, we free ourselves from the shackles of envy, greed, and discontentment. We recognize that everything we have is a gift from Allah, and we are grateful for His blessings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a reminder for all Muslims to cultivate contentment and gratitude in their lives. By being satisfied with Allah's decree, we can find true happiness and inner peace. This does not mean that we should not strive for improvement or work towards our goals. Rather, it means that we should have faith in Allah's plan and trust that He knows what is best for us. When faced with challenges or disappointments, we should remind ourselves of this Hadith and seek solace in the knowledge that Allah's wisdom is far greater than our own.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of contentment and acceptance of Allah's decree in our lives. By being satisfied with what Allah has apportioned for us, we can attain true happiness and inner peace. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which remind us to trust in Allah's wisdom and be grateful for His blessings. May Allah grant us the ability to embody the teachings of this Hadith and find contentment in all aspects of our lives.