Hadith #4397

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اِرْضَ تَسْتَرِحْ۔" which translates to

Be satisfied and you will be relaxed.

This concise statement carries deep wisdom and guidance for all Muslims, regardless of their sect.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. The word (irḍa) "ارض" means to be content, satisfied, or pleased with what one has been given. It implies a state of inner tranquility and acceptance of one's circumstances. The word (tastarih) "تَسْتَرِحْ" means to find relaxation, ease, or comfort. It signifies a state of peace and serenity that comes from being content.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of contentment and satisfaction in various verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:60)

And [recall] when Moses prayed for water for his people, so We said, 'Strike with your staff the stone.' And there gushed forth from it twelve springs, and every people knew its watering place. 'Eat and drink from the provision of Allah, and do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.'

This verse highlights the importance of being content with the provisions that Allah has bestowed upon us. The people of Moses were given abundant water, but they were also reminded not to abuse the blessings and spread corruption. This serves as a reminder for us to be grateful for what we have and not to seek more than what is necessary.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah At-Talaq, where Allah says, (65:3)

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 reminds us that true satisfaction and relaxation can only be found when we place our trust in Allah and rely on Him alone. When we acknowledge that Allah is sufficient for us and that He has already decreed everything, we can let go of our worries and find peace in His divine plan.

Now, let us reflect on the profound wisdom of Imam Ali's statement,

Be satisfied and you will be relaxed.

When we cultivate a mindset of contentment and gratitude, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of worldly desires and ambitions. We learn to appreciate the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us, whether they are material possessions, relationships, or opportunities.

Being satisfied does not mean that we should become complacent or stagnant in our pursuit of personal growth and improvement. Rather, it means that we should be content with what we have while striving to make the best use of our resources and abilities. It means finding joy in the present moment and trusting in Allah's wisdom and guidance.

When we adopt this attitude of satisfaction, we experience a profound sense of relaxation and peace. We are no longer burdened by the constant desire for more, and we are able to appreciate the beauty and blessings that surround us. Our hearts become tranquil, and our minds are freed from the anxieties and stresses of this world.

Furthermore, this Hadith serves as a reminder of the immense knowledge and wisdom possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His words encapsulate the teachings of the Quran and provide us with a practical guide to living a fulfilled and meaningful life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ)

Be satisfied and you will be relaxed

carries a beautiful message for all Muslims. It reminds us of the importance of contentment, gratitude, and trust in Allah. By being satisfied with what we have and finding peace in the present moment, we can experience true relaxation and inner tranquility. May Allah grant us the wisdom to embody this teaching in our lives and find solace in His divine plan.