Hadith #4468

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ رَضِيَ بِحالِهِ لَمْ يَعْتَوِرْهُ الحَسَدُ۔

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of being content with one's state, as it protects us from the harmful effects of jealousy. Let us delve deeper into the meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (radiya) "رَضِيَ" in this Hadith means to be pleased, satisfied, or content. It signifies a state of inner tranquility and acceptance of one's circumstances. When a person is content with their state, they are not consumed by envy or jealousy towards others. This contentment acts as a shield, protecting them from the negative emotions that can arise when comparing oneself to others.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages contentment in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:155-156)

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'

This verse highlights the importance of accepting and being content with the trials and tribulations that come our way.

Similarly, in Surah At-Tawbah, Allah says, (Quran 9:51)

Say, 'Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And upon Allah let the believers rely.

This verse emphasizes the need for believers to trust in Allah's decree and be content with whatever He has ordained for them.

When we reflect on these Quranic verses, we understand that being content with our state is not about complacency or resignation. It is about recognizing that everything that happens to us is a test from Allah, and it is our duty to respond with patience and gratitude. This contentment allows us to focus on our own growth and development, rather than being consumed by envy towards others.

The consequences of not being content with our state are manifold. Jealousy is a destructive emotion that can lead to resentment, bitterness, and even harmful actions towards others. It breeds negativity within us and prevents us from appreciating the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. Jealousy also hinders our spiritual growth and prevents us from achieving inner peace and contentment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of being content with our state. By being pleased with what Allah has decreed for us, we free ourselves from the shackles of envy and allow ourselves to grow spiritually. This Hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate contentment in their hearts and strive for inner peace.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the significance of being content with our state. By being pleased with what Allah has ordained for us, we protect ourselves from the harmful effects of jealousy. This contentment is rooted in the Quranic teachings that emphasize patience, trust in Allah's decree, and reliance on Him. May Allah grant us the ability to be content with our state and protect us from the destructive emotion of jealousy.