Hadith #4423

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

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

الرِّضا غَناءٌ والسُّخْطُ عَناءٌ۔

This can be translated as,

Satisfaction is abundance while disappointment is agony.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ar-rida) "الرِّضا" refers to satisfaction, contentment, and acceptance. It is a state of being pleased and at peace with what Allah has decreed. The word (ghana) "غَناءٌ" means abundance, richness, and prosperity. It signifies a state of being fulfilled and having an abundance of blessings. On the other hand, the word (as-sukht) "السُّخْطُ" refers to disappointment, anger, and displeasure. It is a state of being unsatisfied and aggrieved. The word (ana) "عَناءٌ" means agony, hardship, and distress. It represents a state of suffering and pain.

To understand the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. 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 emphasizes that what we may perceive as disappointment or displeasure could actually be a means of goodness and blessings from Allah. It reminds us that our limited understanding cannot comprehend the wisdom behind Allah's decrees.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Talaq (65:3), Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

This verse reassures us that when we are satisfied with Allah's decree and rely upon Him, He will provide for us in ways we cannot even imagine. He will ease our difficulties and guide us towards solutions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the stark contrast between satisfaction and disappointment. When we are content and accepting of Allah's decree, we are in a state of abundance. This does not necessarily mean material wealth, but rather an inner richness and tranquility that comes from trusting in Allah's wisdom. We find peace in knowing that whatever befalls us is ultimately for our own benefit, even if we cannot comprehend it at the moment.

On the other hand, when we allow ourselves to be consumed by disappointment and anger towards Allah's decree, we experience agony and hardship. Our hearts become burdened with negativity, and we lose sight of the blessings that surround us. This state of discontentment only leads to further distress and unhappiness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of cultivating satisfaction and contentment in our lives. By doing so, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. We learn to trust in Allah's plan and to find solace in His wisdom, even when faced with challenges and disappointments.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that satisfaction and contentment are sources of abundance and prosperity, while disappointment and anger lead to agony and hardship. By embracing Allah's decree and finding peace in His wisdom, we can experience true fulfillment and inner richness. May Allah grant us the ability to be satisfied with His decree and to find abundance in our lives.