Hadith #4450

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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,

نالَ الغِنى مَنْ رَضِيَ بِالقَضاءِ۔

This can be translated as,

He who is satisfied with the decree [of Allah] has acquired abundance.

In this thought-provoking saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of contentment with the divine decree and its connection to attaining true richness and abundance in life.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and concepts it presents. The word (ghina) "غِنى" refers to wealth, abundance, and sufficiency. It encompasses both material and spiritual richness, indicating a state of contentment and satisfaction. The term (radiya) "رَضِيَ" means to be pleased, satisfied, and accepting. It implies embracing the decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) with a heart full of tranquility and trust.

This Hadith finds resonance in the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of contentment and acceptance of His decree. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:155-156)

And 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 encourages believers to remain patient and accepting in the face of adversity, recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to Allah and that we will return to Him.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Tawbah, Allah states, (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 reminds us that whatever befalls us is a result of Allah's decree, and it is our duty to place our trust in Him and rely on His guidance and protection.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes that true richness lies not in material possessions or worldly achievements, but in the contentment and acceptance of Allah's decree. When a Muslim embraces the divine plan with a heart filled with gratitude and trust, they attain a state of inner peace and tranquility. This contentment brings about a sense of abundance, as they recognize the blessings and wisdom in every situation, whether it be ease or hardship.

Let us reflect on the consequences of living by this Hadith. When faced with a difficulty, a person who is satisfied with the decree of Allah will not despair or complain, but rather seek solace and guidance in prayer and remembrance of Allah. They will find strength in knowing that every trial is a test and an opportunity for growth. This mindset enables them to navigate through challenges with resilience and patience, ultimately leading to personal development and spiritual elevation.

Conversely, those who resist or resent the divine decree may find themselves trapped in a cycle of discontentment and dissatisfaction. Their focus on what they lack blinds them to the blessings bestowed upon them, leading to perpetual feelings of emptiness and inadequacy. Such a mindset hinders their ability to appreciate the present moment and inhibits their spiritual growth.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) wise utterance serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate contentment and acceptance of Allah's decree in their lives. By doing so, we can attain true richness and abundance, both in this world and the hereafter. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embrace His decree with gratitude and trust, and may He bless us with the true wealth of contentment and inner peace.