Hadith #8830

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 قَنِعَ لَمْ يَغْتَمَّ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is content does not get depressed.

This profound statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of contentment in our lives and its impact on our mental well-being.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith to gain a better understanding. The word (qani'a) "قَنِعَ" refers to being content or satisfied with what one has. It implies a state of inner peace and tranquility, where a person is grateful for the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). On the other hand, the word (yaghtam) "يَغْتَمَّ" means to become depressed or saddened.

To support the exegesis of this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran, the ultimate source of guidance for all Muslims. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Rad (13:28),

Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.

This verse emphasizes the importance of finding contentment and peace through the remembrance of Allah. When we are grateful for the blessings in our lives and constantly remember Allah, our hearts are filled with tranquility, and we are shielded from the darkness of depression.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse highlights the reciprocal relationship between remembrance of Allah and gratitude. When we are content and grateful for what we have, we are acknowledging the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, and this leads to a state of inner peace and happiness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for all Muslims to cultivate contentment in their lives. When we are content with what Allah has provided us, we are protected from the pitfalls of depression and sadness. Contentment does not mean that we should not strive for betterment or improvement in our lives, but rather it emphasizes the importance of being grateful for what we have in the present moment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) possessed immense knowledge and wisdom, and his teachings continue to guide and inspire Muslims to this day. His statement regarding contentment and its impact on mental well-being is a testament to his profound understanding of human nature and the importance of spiritual and emotional well-being.

When we are content, we are able to find joy and fulfillment in the simplest of things. We are not constantly chasing after material possessions or comparing ourselves to others. Instead, we are grateful for the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us, whether they are big or small. This contentment brings about a sense of inner peace and tranquility, shielding us from the darkness of depression and sadness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of contentment in our lives. By being grateful for what we have and finding peace in the remembrance of Allah, we can protect ourselves from the depths of depression and sadness. Let us strive to cultivate contentment in our hearts and minds, and may Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to do so.