Hadith #4473

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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 رَضِيَ بِقِسْمِهِ اِسْتراحَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is satisfied with his [allotted] portion is at ease.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (radiya) "رَضِيَ" in this Hadith means to be content, satisfied, or pleased. It signifies a state of inner tranquility and acceptance. The word (qismihi) "قِسْمِهِ" refers to one's portion or share, which is determined by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our wealth, health, status, and relationships.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of contentment and acceptance of our destiny. It teaches us that true peace and tranquility can only be attained by being satisfied with what Allah has decreed for us. It does not imply complacency or lack of ambition, but rather a recognition that everything we have is a blessing from Allah, and He knows what is best for us.

The Quran beautifully reinforces this concept of contentment and acceptance in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (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 may seem unfavorable to us could actually be for our ultimate benefit.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Talaq (65:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him.

This verse highlights the importance of placing our trust in Allah and relying on Him alone. When we are content with our portion and trust in Allah's plan, we find solace and peace in His infinite wisdom and mercy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes and outlook towards life. It reminds us to be grateful for the blessings we have been given and to avoid comparing ourselves to others. When we constantly desire what others possess, we become trapped in a cycle of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. However, when we embrace our own portion and trust in Allah's decree, we free ourselves from the shackles of envy and discontentment.

By being content with our portion, we also develop a sense of gratitude towards Allah. Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of our faith, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Ibrahim (14:7),

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

When we appreciate and acknowledge the blessings in our lives, Allah increases His favors upon us.

Moreover, being content with our portion allows us to focus on our own personal growth and development. Instead of being consumed by envy or constantly chasing after what others have, we can invest our time and energy in improving ourselves and fulfilling our own potential. This leads to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, as we strive to become the best version of ourselves.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson of contentment and acceptance of our portion. It urges us to be satisfied with what Allah has decreed for us, recognizing that He knows what is best for us. By embracing our own portion, we find inner peace, gratitude, and the motivation to strive for personal growth. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody this beautiful teaching in our lives.