Hadith #6398

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

When Allah wishes good for a servant, He inspires him with contentment, so he becomes satisfied with the minimum and covers himself with chastity [and abstinence from the unlawful].

This wise utterance highlights the importance of contentment and self-restraint in the life of a believer.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (qana'ah) "قَنَاعَةَ" refers to contentment, satisfaction, and being pleased with what Allah has provided. It is a state of the heart that allows a person to be grateful for what they have, rather than constantly desiring more. The word (kafaaf) "كَفَافِ" refers to the minimum or sufficiency, indicating that one is content with the bare necessities of life. And the word (afaaf) "عَفَافِ" refers to chastity and abstinence from the unlawful, encompassing both physical and moral purity.

To understand the significance of contentment and self-restraint, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 14:7)

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of gratitude and contentment, as it leads to an increase in blessings from Allah. When we are satisfied with what we have, Allah blesses us with more.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra, Allah says, (Quran 20:131)

And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.

This verse reminds us that the true provision and blessings come from Allah, and that the temporary pleasures of this world should not distract us from seeking His pleasure.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the spiritual and practical implications of contentment and self-restraint. When Allah inspires a person with contentment, they become satisfied with the minimum and refrain from indulging in the unlawful. This contentment protects them from the traps of materialism and excess, allowing them to focus on their spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness.

Contentment also brings peace and tranquility to the heart. When we are constantly chasing after worldly desires, we are never truly satisfied. However, when we learn to be content with what Allah has decreed for us, we find inner peace and fulfillment. This contentment enables us to appreciate the blessings we have been given and to be grateful to Allah for His favors.

Moreover, contentment and self-restraint have far-reaching consequences in both our personal and social lives. On a personal level, they help us develop discipline and control over our desires. By being content with the minimum, we avoid falling into the trap of greed and excess. This moderation allows us to lead a balanced and purposeful life.

On a social level, contentment and self-restraint promote justice and equality. When we are satisfied with the minimum, we are more likely to share our blessings with others and contribute to the well-being of society. This fosters a sense of compassion, empathy, and solidarity among individuals, leading to a more harmonious and just community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of contentment and self-restraint in the life of a believer. It reminds us to be grateful for what Allah has provided, to be satisfied with the minimum, and to refrain from indulging in the unlawful. By embodying these qualities, we can attain inner peace, develop discipline, and contribute to the betterment of society. May Allah inspire us with contentment and guide us on the path of righteousness.