Hadith #4422

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of two qualities that are deeply rooted in true faith:

being satisfied [with what has been decreed]

and

total submission [to Allah].

These qualities are essential for a believer as they reflect a profound level of trust and reliance on Allah's wisdom and decree.

Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith by examining the key words and their meanings. The first word is (al-rida) "الرِّضا", which translates to "being satisfied" or "contentment." It signifies a state of inner peace and acceptance of Allah's will, regardless of the circumstances. The second word is (at-taslīm) "التَّسْليم", which means "total submission" or "complete surrender." It implies surrendering one's will to the will of Allah, recognizing His authority and sovereignty over all aspects of life.

The importance of contentment and submission can be found in numerous verses of the Quran. 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 reminds us that Allah's wisdom surpasses our limited understanding, and what may appear unfavorable to us could, in fact, be beneficial in the grand scheme of things. Therefore, true faith entails being content with Allah's decree, even if it contradicts our desires or expectations.

Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes the significance of total submission to Allah in Surah Al-Imran (3:19):

Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah, then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account.

This verse highlights that true faith lies in submitting to Allah's guidance and following the path of Islam. It is through complete surrender to His commandments that one attains true righteousness and spiritual fulfillment.

The exegesis of this Hadith teaches us profound lessons. Firstly, it reminds us that true faith is not merely a matter of verbal affirmation, but rather a state of the heart that manifests in our actions and attitudes. It requires us to cultivate contentment and acceptance of Allah's decree, recognizing that He knows what is best for us, even if it may not align with our desires. This contentment brings inner peace and tranquility, freeing us from the shackles of discontentment and envy.

Secondly, the Hadith emphasizes the importance of total submission to Allah. It encourages us to surrender our will to His, recognizing His infinite wisdom and authority. This submission is not a sign of weakness but rather a testament to our trust in Allah's guidance and our acknowledgment of His sovereignty. It allows us to align our actions and choices with His commandments, leading to a life of righteousness and spiritual growth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his unparalleled knowledge and wisdom, exemplified these qualities throughout his life. His unwavering contentment and submission to Allah's decree, even in the face of immense challenges and trials, serve as a timeless example for all Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of contentment and submission in true faith. It urges us to cultivate these qualities in our hearts and lives, drawing inspiration from the Quranic verses that emphasize the same principles. By embodying contentment and submission, we can attain a deeper level of faith, inner peace, and closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the ability to embrace these qualities and strengthen our faith.