Hadith #4437

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all 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,

عَلَيْكَ بِالرِّضا فِي الشِّدَّةِ والرَّخاءِ۔

This can be translated as,

Remain satisfied in times of difficulty and ease.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (rida) "رِضَا" refers to contentment, satisfaction, and acceptance. It is a state of being pleased with the decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and being at peace with whatever situation one finds themselves in. The word (shiddah) "شِّدَّةِ" means hardship, adversity, or difficulty, while (rakha) "رَّخَاءِ" refers to ease, comfort, or prosperity.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of contentment and satisfaction in various verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155),

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse reminds us that trials and tribulations are a part of life, and it is through patience and contentment that we can navigate through them.

In Surah At-Tawbah (9:128), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his unwavering contentment by saying,

Certainly, there has come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.

The Prophet (ﷺ) faced immense hardships throughout his life, yet he remained content and patient, always trusting in the wisdom and decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, advises us to remain satisfied not only during times of difficulty but also during times of ease. This is because ease and prosperity can sometimes lead to complacency and forgetfulness of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). In Surah Al-A'la (87:16-17), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more enduring. Indeed, this is in the former scriptures, the scriptures of Ibrahim and Musa.

Remaining content during times of ease is a sign of gratitude and humility. It is a recognition that all blessings come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and that we should not become attached to the material world. In Surah Al-Qasas (28:77), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

But 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.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to embrace contentment in all circumstances. By doing so, we can find peace and tranquility, knowing that everything that happens is a part of Allah's divine plan. This attitude of contentment enables us to face hardships with patience and gratitude, and to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us during times of ease.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for all Muslims to remain content and satisfied in times of difficulty and ease. It is through contentment that we can find solace and strength, knowing that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is the best of planners and that every situation has a purpose and wisdom behind it. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody this teaching of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and to find contentment in all aspects of our lives.