Hadith #8839

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:

مَنْ قَنِعَتْ نَفْسُهُ عَزَّ مُعْسِراً۔

This can be translated as:

One whose soul is contented remains dignified even in hard times.

This enlightening Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of contentment and its impact on one's character and behavior, especially during challenging circumstances.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (qanita) "قَنِعَتْ" refers to the state of being contented, satisfied, and accepting of what one has been given by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It signifies a state of inner peace and tranquility, regardless of the external circumstances. The word (izz) "عَزَّ" means dignity, honor, and self-respect. It refers to maintaining one's noble character and upholding moral values, even in the face of adversity. The word (mu'siran) "مُعْسِراً" denotes hardship, difficulty, or challenging situations that one may encounter in life.

The Quran provides us with several verses that support the exegesis of this Hadith. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:155-156)

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but 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 emphasizes the importance of patience and contentment during difficult times, as it is a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and an opportunity to demonstrate our faith and reliance on Him.

Another verse that aligns with the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah At-Talaq, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 65:2-3)

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

This verse highlights the divine promise of Allah's support and provision for those who place their trust in Him. It reminds us that contentment and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) can lead to unexpected blessings and solutions to our difficulties.

Now, let us reflect on the impactful message of this Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, teaches us that true contentment lies in being satisfied with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has decreed for us. It is about recognizing that every situation, whether favorable or challenging, is a test from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and an opportunity for growth. When one's soul is contented, they are able to maintain their dignity and honor, even in the face of hardships.

For example, imagine a person who is facing financial difficulties. Despite the hardships, they remain content with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided for them and do not resort to unlawful means to fulfill their desires. They maintain their integrity, uphold their moral values, and seek lawful ways to overcome their challenges. This person's contentment and dignified behavior in difficult times are a reflection of their strong faith and trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Moreover, contentment in hard times can also have positive consequences on our mental and emotional well-being. When we accept and embrace the trials and tribulations with patience and contentment, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress, anxiety, and discontentment. Instead, we focus on finding solutions, seeking Allah's guidance, and relying on His infinite wisdom and mercy. This mindset not only strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but also enables us to navigate through life's challenges with grace and resilience.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson of contentment and its impact on our character and behavior, especially during difficult times. By remaining contented with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has decreed for us, we can maintain our dignity, honor, and self-respect. This contentment is not passive acceptance, but an active recognition of Allah's wisdom and a firm belief in His divine plan. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to cultivate contentment in our hearts and remain dignified in all circumstances.