Hadith #1648

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The foundation of contentment is complete reliance on Allah.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the essence of true contentment and satisfaction in life. To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us delve into the key words and concepts it encompasses.

Firstly, let us examine the word (rida) "رِضَا", which translates to "contentment" or "satisfaction." It refers to a state of inner peace and tranquility that arises from accepting and being pleased with the decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a state of being grateful for what Allah has ordained for us, regardless of whether it aligns with our desires or not.

The Hadith further emphasizes that the foundation of this contentment lies in (husn al-thiqah bi-Allah) "حُسْنُ الثِّقَةِ بِاللّهِ", which can be translated as

complete reliance on Allah.

This means having unwavering trust and confidence in Allah's wisdom, mercy, and ability to provide for our needs. It entails recognizing that Allah is the ultimate source of all blessings and that He knows what is best for us, even if we may not fully comprehend it.

To support this exegesis, let us turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of relying on Him and seeking contentment through trust in His divine plan. In Surah At-Tawbah, Allah says, (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 in life is ultimately determined by Allah's decree. Therefore, we should place our trust in Him and rely on His guidance and protection. By doing so, we can find solace and contentment, knowing that Allah is in control of our affairs.

Another verse that supports the concept of complete reliance on Allah is found in Surah Az-Zumar, where Allah says, (Quran 39:22)

So rely upon Allah; indeed, you are upon the clear truth.

This verse encourages us to place our trust in Allah alone, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of guidance and support. By relying on Him, we can find true clarity and certainty in our lives.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we can understand the profound implications of complete reliance on Allah. When we trust in Allah's wisdom and plan, we free ourselves from the shackles of worry, anxiety, and discontentment. We recognize that Allah's knowledge surpasses our limited understanding, and His decisions are always in our best interest.

By relying on Allah, we also cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment, regardless of our circumstances. We understand that everything that happens to us is a part of Allah's divine plan, and He knows what is truly beneficial for us. This mindset enables us to find peace and satisfaction in every situation, knowing that Allah's wisdom is far greater than our own.

Moreover, complete reliance on Allah motivates us to strive for excellence in our actions and intentions. When we trust in Allah's guidance and support, we are inspired to work diligently, knowing that success ultimately lies in His hands. This reliance on Allah also instills in us a sense of humility, as we recognize that our achievements are a result of His blessings and favor upon us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the foundation of contentment lies in complete reliance on Allah. By placing our trust in Him, we can find inner peace, gratitude, and motivation to excel in all aspects of life. May Allah grant us the ability to truly rely on Him and attain the true contentment that comes from complete submission to His will.