Hadith #8804

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.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the importance of contentment with a modest provision, as opposed to being consumed by greed and constantly seeking more. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (contentment) "قِناعَةِ", (sustenance) "رِّزْقِ", and (greed) "حِرْصِ". Contentment, as described by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), refers to being satisfied and grateful with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided us in terms of sustenance. Sustenance encompasses not only material possessions but also encompasses all aspects of our lives, including health, relationships, and spiritual well-being. Greed, on the other hand, refers to an insatiable desire for more, regardless of how much one already possesses.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of contentment and warn against the dangers of greed. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:197),

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety).

This verse reminds us that the ultimate sustenance is not material wealth, but rather, it is the fear of Allah and righteousness. It is through piety that we find true contentment and satisfaction, regardless of the quantity of our worldly possessions.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world.

This verse reminds us to strike a balance between seeking the rewards of the Hereafter and fulfilling our worldly responsibilities. It encourages us to be content with what we have been given, while also striving for success in the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to prioritize contentment over greed. By being content with a little sustenance, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of material wealth, which can lead to anxiety, stress, and dissatisfaction. Contentment allows us to appreciate the blessings we already have and to focus on cultivating our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that our sustenance is ultimately determined by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). In Surah Al-Isra (17:80), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse teaches us to rely on Allah's provision and seek His assistance in all matters of our lives. When we trust in Allah's wisdom and plan for us, we can find contentment in whatever sustenance He has decreed for us.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize contentment over greed. By being grateful for the sustenance Allah has provided us, we can find true satisfaction and peace. This does not mean that we should not strive for success and improvement, but rather, it encourages us to strike a balance between worldly pursuits and spiritual growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to be content with what we have and the ability to seek His pleasure in all aspects of our lives.