Hadith #8860

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

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

مَنْ قَنِعَ عَزَّ واسْتَغْنى۔

This can be translated as,

One who is content gains honor and becomes independent.

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

The word (qani'a) "قَنِعَ" in this Hadith refers to contentment or satisfaction with what one has. It signifies being pleased and grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Contentment is a virtue that allows us to find peace and tranquility in our hearts, regardless of our material possessions or circumstances.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of contentment in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 152, Allah says,

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse reminds us to be grateful to Allah for His blessings and to avoid ingratitude. Contentment is a form of gratitude, as it acknowledges and appreciates the blessings we have been granted.

Furthermore, the Hadith states that one who is content "gains honor." This means that contentment brings about a sense of dignity and respect. When we are satisfied with what we have, we are not constantly chasing after worldly desires and possessions. Instead, we focus on developing our character, improving our relationship with Allah, and serving humanity. This pursuit of noble qualities and actions elevates our status in the eyes of Allah and fellow Muslims.

The Quran affirms the link between contentment and honor. In Surah Al-Hajj, verse 37, Allah says,

It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.

This verse highlights the importance of righteousness and piety over material possessions. When we prioritize our spiritual growth and contentment, we attain a higher level of honor in the sight of Allah.

The Hadith also states that one who is content "becomes independent." This refers to the freedom from the shackles of materialism and the pursuit of worldly desires. When we are content with what we have, we are no longer enslaved by the constant need for more. We become self-sufficient in our reliance on Allah, recognizing that true fulfillment lies in our connection with Him, rather than in the accumulation of wealth or possessions.

The Quran provides numerous examples of the importance of seeking independence from worldly desires. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 28, Allah narrates the story of the two gardens, where one man was arrogant and ungrateful for his abundant wealth. Allah says,

And he entered his garden while he was unjust to himself. He said, 'I do not think that this will perish - ever.'

This verse serves as a reminder that our worldly possessions are temporary and can easily be taken away. True independence lies in our detachment from materialism and our reliance on Allah alone.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson of contentment. By being satisfied with what we have, we gain honor in the sight of Allah and become independent from the constant pursuit of worldly desires. Contentment allows us to find peace and tranquility in our hearts, and it enables us to focus on our spiritual growth and serving humanity. May Allah bless us with the virtue of contentment and grant us the honor and independence that comes with it.