Hadith #8859

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

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

One whose contentment increases, his submissiveness [to the people] decreases.

This Hadith highlights the relationship between contentment and submissiveness, shedding light on the importance of being satisfied with what Allah has decreed for us.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith. The word (qunoo'uhu) "قُنُوعُهُ" refers to contentment or satisfaction, indicating a state of being pleased and fulfilled with what one possesses. On the other hand, (khudo'uhu) "خُضُوعُهُ" refers to submissiveness or humility, signifying the act of lowering oneself in front of others.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of contentment in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:216)

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not

This verse reminds us that Allah's wisdom surpasses our limited understanding, and what we perceive as unfavorable may actually be beneficial for us. Therefore, being content with Allah's decree is a sign of trust in His divine plan.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Tawbah, Allah says, (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 emphasizes the need for reliance on Allah and accepting His decree, which leads to contentment. When we trust in Allah's wisdom and rely on Him, our hearts become content, and we are less likely to seek validation or submissiveness from others.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith. When a person's contentment increases, their submissiveness to others decreases. This means that when we are truly satisfied with what Allah has bestowed upon us, we are less inclined to seek validation, approval, or subjugation from others. Our self-worth and happiness are no longer dependent on the opinions or actions of people, but rather on our connection with Allah.

For example, imagine a person who is content with their financial situation, regardless of whether they possess great wealth or modest means. Such a person will not feel the need to impress others or seek validation through material possessions. Their focus will be on utilizing their resources in a way that pleases Allah and benefits society, rather than constantly striving to accumulate more wealth for the sake of impressing others.

Similarly, when a person is content with their physical appearance, they are less likely to seek validation through the opinions of others. They will prioritize their self-esteem based on their relationship with Allah, rather than constantly seeking approval from society or conforming to unrealistic beauty standards.

In essence, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true contentment leads to inner strength and independence from the opinions and judgments of others. It frees us from the need to constantly seek validation or submissiveness, allowing us to focus on our relationship with Allah and the pursuit of righteousness.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of contentment and its impact on our submissiveness to others. By being satisfied with what Allah has decreed for us, we liberate ourselves from the need for validation and approval from people. Instead, we prioritize our relationship with Allah and strive for righteousness. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to cultivate true contentment in our hearts.