Hadith #8601

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, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who limits himself to his [rightful] status, it will be more lasting for him.

This beautiful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of contentment and moderation in one's life. Let us delve deeper into the words of this Hadith and explore its meaning in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (iqtasar) "اقْتَصَرَ" and (qadrihi) "قَدْرِهِ". (iqtasar) "اقْتَصَرَ" means to limit oneself or to be content with what one has. It implies restraining one's desires and ambitions within the boundaries of what is appropriate and lawful. (qadrihi) "قَدْرِهِ" refers to one's rightful status or what is suitable for an individual based on their capabilities and circumstances.

The Quran emphasizes the virtue of contentment and moderation in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

This verse encourages Muslims to enjoy the blessings of this world but warns against indulging in excess and extravagance.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse advises Muslims to strive for the Hereafter while also fulfilling their responsibilities in this world, without becoming obsessed with worldly possessions and desires.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith complements these Quranic teachings by highlighting the long-lasting benefits of contentment and moderation. When a person limits themselves to their rightful status, they are more likely to achieve lasting success and happiness. By being content with what they have, they avoid the pitfalls of greed, envy, and dissatisfaction that can lead to a life of constant striving and unhappiness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this quality throughout his life. His deep knowledge and wisdom allowed him to understand the true value of contentment and moderation. He was known for his simplicity and detachment from worldly possessions, despite having the opportunity to acquire great wealth and power. This quality made him a role model for Muslims, demonstrating that true success lies not in accumulating material possessions, but in attaining inner peace and spiritual growth.

The consequences of practicing contentment and limiting oneself to their rightful status are manifold. Firstly, it leads to a sense of gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. When we are content with what we have, we recognize that everything we possess is a gift from Allah, and we are grateful for His provisions.

Secondly, contentment and moderation protect us from the negative consequences of excessive desires and ambitions. When we constantly strive for more, we may fall into the trap of greed, envy, and dissatisfaction. These negative emotions can lead to a restless and unfulfilled life, devoid of true happiness and contentment.

Lastly, limiting oneself to their rightful status fosters a sense of inner peace and tranquility. By accepting and appreciating our current circumstances, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of material possessions and societal validation. This allows us to focus on our spiritual growth and the development of our character, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of contentment and moderation in our lives. By limiting ourselves to our rightful status, we can achieve lasting success, gratitude, and inner peace. Let us strive to embody this noble quality and seek the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in all aspects of our lives. May Allah guide us on the path of moderation and bless us with contentment in this world and the Hereafter.