Hadith #4036

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "غايَةُ الدّينِ الرِّضا۔" This can be translated as:

The height of religion is satisfaction [with the decree of Allah].

To understand the meaning behind this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and their implications. The word (ghayatu) "غايَةُ" refers to the pinnacle or the ultimate goal, while (ad-deen) "الدّينِ" encompasses the entirety of the religious teachings and practices. And finally, (ar-rida) "الرِّضا" signifies contentment, acceptance, and satisfaction with the divine decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The concept of satisfaction with the decree of Allah is deeply rooted in the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 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 understanding may lead us to dislike or reject certain events or circumstances, but in reality, they may be beneficial for us in ways we cannot comprehend. Hence, true faith lies in accepting and being content with the divine decree, even if it contradicts our personal desires or expectations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Ayah 84, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

And say: 'My Lord, let me enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking Allah's guidance and relying on Him in all matters. It teaches us that true satisfaction and success can only be attained through complete submission to Allah's will and seeking His support and guidance.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes that the height of religion is found in being content with the divine decree. This teaching encourages Muslims to trust in Allah's wisdom and to surrender their will to His. It reminds us that true faith is not just about performing rituals, but also about having a deep sense of trust in Allah's plan and accepting whatever He decrees for us.

When we embrace this teaching, we open ourselves to a multitude of benefits. Firstly, it brings inner peace and tranquility to our hearts. By accepting the divine decree, we free ourselves from the burden of constantly questioning and resisting what Allah has ordained for us. This contentment allows us to find solace in difficult times and to remain steadfast in the face of trials and tribulations.

Secondly, being satisfied with the decree of Allah strengthens our relationship with Him. It demonstrates our complete reliance on His wisdom and power. Just as a child trusts their parent's decisions, we, as Muslims, trust that Allah knows what is best for us. This trust deepens our connection with our Creator and strengthens our faith.

Moreover, being content with Allah's decree enables us to develop resilience and patience. We understand that life is filled with ups and downs, and that every hardship or challenge is an opportunity for growth and spiritual elevation. Through accepting the divine decree, we cultivate patience and perseverance, knowing that Allah's plan is perfect and that He will never burden us with more than we can bear.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the height of religion lies in being content and satisfied with the decree of Allah. This concept is deeply rooted in the Quran, which emphasizes the importance of trusting in Allah's wisdom and accepting His plan for us. By embracing this teaching, we attain inner peace, strengthen our relationship with Allah, and develop resilience in the face of adversity. May Allah grant us the ability to embody this teaching and find true satisfaction in His decree.