Hadith #7996

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "جَمالُ العَيْشِ القَناعَةُ۔" This can be translated as,

The beauty of life is contentment.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom and guidance encapsulated in this statement, drawing upon the teachings of the Quran.

The word (jamal) "جَمالُ" refers to beauty, grace, or elegance. It signifies the aesthetic appeal and attractiveness of something. In this context, it refers to the inherent beauty and splendor of life. The word (al-'aysh) "العَيْشِ" means life, existence, or livelihood. It encompasses all aspects of our earthly existence, including our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The key concept in this Hadith is (al-qana'ah) "القَناعَةُ", which is translated as contentment. Qana'ah is the state of being satisfied and grateful with what Allah has provided, regardless of the quantity or quality. It is the opposite of greed, envy, and constant craving for more. Contentment is a virtue that brings peace, tranquility, and happiness to the heart of a believer.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of contentment in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152),

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

This verse reminds us to be grateful to Allah for His blessings and to avoid ingratitude. Gratitude leads to contentment, as it acknowledges the abundance of Allah's blessings in our lives.

In Surah At-Talaq (65:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him.

This verse highlights the importance of relying on Allah and trusting His provisions. When we have faith in Allah's wisdom and plan for us, we find contentment in His decree, knowing that He is sufficient to meet our needs.

Contentment is not about complacency or stagnation. It does not mean that we should not strive for improvement or seek a better life. Rather, it is about finding satisfaction and gratitude in our current circumstances while working towards our goals. Contentment allows us to appreciate the blessings we have been bestowed with, rather than constantly yearning for what we do not have.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the beauty of contentment. By embracing contentment, we can experience true happiness and fulfillment in this life. Contentment liberates us from the shackles of materialism and the never-ending pursuit of worldly desires.

When we are content, we are free from the constant anxiety and stress that arise from always wanting more. Contentment enables us to focus on the present moment and appreciate the blessings that surround us. It allows us to find joy in the simple pleasures of life and to cultivate a sense of inner peace.

Furthermore, contentment fosters a sense of gratitude towards Allah. It reminds us to recognize and acknowledge His blessings, both big and small. When we are content, we are more likely to express gratitude and engage in acts of worship, such as prayer, charity, and remembrance of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the true beauty of life lies in contentment. By embracing contentment, we can find peace, happiness, and gratitude in our daily lives. The Quranic verses emphasize the importance of gratitude and reliance on Allah, which are essential components of contentment. May Allah grant us the wisdom to embody contentment and experience the true beauty of life.