Hadith #1537

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 pure progeny, and his noble companions.

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

حُسْنُ البِشْرِ مِنْ عَلائِمِ النَّجاحِ۔

This can be translated as,

Being cheerful is one of the signs of success.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this beautiful saying in light of the Quran. The word (husn) "حُسْنُ" refers to goodness, beauty, and excellence. It encompasses a positive and pleasant state of being. (al-bishr) "البِشْرِ" refers to being cheerful, having a joyful countenance, and radiating happiness.

The Hadith highlights the importance of maintaining a positive and cheerful demeanor as a sign of success. This is in line with the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the significance of maintaining a positive mindset and seeking happiness in both worldly and spiritual matters.

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

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.

This verse encourages Muslims to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while also enjoying the blessings of this world. It emphasizes the importance of doing good and spreading goodness, which includes being cheerful and positive in our interactions with others.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nahl (16:97), Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.

This verse assures believers that practicing righteousness and goodness will lead to a good and fulfilling life. Being cheerful and positive is an integral part of righteousness, as it uplifts the spirits of others and creates a harmonious environment.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the significance of being cheerful as a sign of success. When we maintain a positive attitude, we not only benefit ourselves but also inspire those around us. Our cheerful demeanor can have a profound impact on our relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Being cheerful is not merely a superficial display of happiness; it is an attitude that stems from a content heart and a strong connection with Allah (عَزَّ وَجَلَّ). It is a reflection of our gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us and our trust in Allah's divine plan.

When we are cheerful, we attract positivity and blessings into our lives. Our optimism and positive outlook motivate us to overcome challenges and strive for success in all aspects of life. It allows us to approach difficulties with resilience and find solutions instead of dwelling on negativity.

Conversely, a negative and gloomy disposition hinders our progress and limits our potential. It creates a toxic environment and affects our relationships with others. The Quran encourages us to be mindful of our words and actions, reminding us that our behavior has a ripple effect on those around us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of being cheerful as a sign of success. This aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which encourages us to maintain a positive mindset, spread goodness, and seek happiness in both this world and the Hereafter. By embodying cheerfulness, we not only benefit ourselves but also contribute to a more harmonious and prosperous society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate a cheerful disposition and find success in all our endeavors.