Hadith #9286

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, and his noble companions.

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

الرِّضَا بِالكَفَافِ يُؤَدِّي إلَى العَفَافِ

which translates to

Being pleased with what suffices leads to virtue.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of contentment and moderation in our lives.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. (rida) "الرِّضَا" refers to being pleased or content, while (kafaaf) "الكَفَافِ" means sufficiency or having enough. Finally, (afaaf) "العَفَافِ" refers to virtue or righteousness.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286: (2:286)

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear...

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has created us with the ability to handle the challenges and responsibilities that come our way. It is a reminder that we should be content with what we have and not burden ourselves with unnecessary desires and wants.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says: (28:77)

And seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking the hereafter while not neglecting our worldly responsibilities. It encourages us to be content with our share of the world and to do good deeds, avoiding corruption.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that being content with what suffices leads to virtue. When we are satisfied with what we have, we are more likely to focus on our spiritual growth and the well-being of others. Contentment helps us avoid the pitfalls of greed, envy, and materialism, which can lead to a life of dissatisfaction and spiritual emptiness.

For example, if we are constantly chasing after material possessions and always wanting more, we may neglect our relationships, our spiritual development, and our duties towards others. This can lead to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction, as we are never truly content with what we have.

On the other hand, when we are content with what suffices, we are able to appreciate the blessings that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us. We are grateful for what we have and use our resources wisely. This contentment leads to a virtuous and balanced life, where we prioritize our spiritual growth, fulfill our responsibilities, and show kindness and generosity towards others.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us the importance of contentment and moderation in our lives. By being pleased with what suffices, we can avoid the pitfalls of greed and materialism, and instead focus on our spiritual growth and the well-being of others. Let us strive to cultivate contentment in our hearts and lead a life of virtue and righteousness. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and lead a life of contentment and virtue.