Hadith #8803

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "إنْ تَقْنَعْ تَعِزَّ۔" This can be translated as,

If you are content, you will gain honor.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (taqna') "تَقْنَعْ" in this Hadith means to be content or satisfied with what one has. It implies a state of inner peace and tranquility, where one is not constantly seeking more or comparing oneself to others. It is a state of being grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and recognizing that true honor lies in contentment.

The concept of contentment is beautifully emphasized in the Quran. 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 countless blessings and to remember Him in all aspects of our lives. When we are content and grateful, we are honoring the favors of Allah upon us.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nahl (16:46), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Or that Allah may catch them in the midst of their going to and fro (in their jobs), so that there be no escape for them (from Allah's punishment)?

This verse highlights the consequences of being ungrateful and constantly seeking more. When we are not content and always chasing after worldly desires, we may find ourselves trapped in a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement reminds us that true honor lies in being content with what we have been given. When we are content, we are not consumed by envy or greed. Instead, we appreciate the blessings we have and focus on utilizing them for the betterment of ourselves and others. This contentment brings about a sense of inner peace and tranquility, which in turn leads to honor and respect from others.

For example, imagine a person who is constantly comparing themselves to others, always desiring what others have. They may acquire material possessions, but they will never truly feel satisfied or honored. On the other hand, someone who is content with what they have, even if it may be less in material terms, will radiate a sense of peace and contentment. Others will be drawn to their positive energy and admire their ability to find happiness in simplicity. This is the true honor that comes from contentment.

Moreover, being content does not mean that we should not strive for improvement or work towards achieving our goals. It means that we should be grateful for what we have in the present moment, while also striving for personal growth and success. Contentment is about finding a balance between ambition and gratitude, recognizing that true honor lies in the journey towards self-improvement rather than the destination itself.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true honor and dignity come from being content with what we have been blessed with. This contentment brings about inner peace and tranquility, which in turn leads to respect and admiration from others. Let us strive to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and contentment, recognizing that true honor lies in the acceptance of Allah's blessings upon us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to be content and the strength to seek honor through gratitude.