Hadith #8831

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

مَنْ قَنِعَ حَسُنَتْ عِبادَتُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever is content, his worship becomes good.

In this beautiful saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of contentment in one's worship.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (qani'a) "قَنِعَ" refers to being content, satisfied, and not desiring more than what one has been blessed with. It implies a state of inner peace and gratitude, where one is not constantly seeking worldly possessions or materialistic desires. (hasunat) "حَسُنَتْ" refers to goodness, excellence, and righteousness. It encompasses all aspects of worship, including acts of devotion, prayers, charity, and moral conduct.

To understand the significance of contentment in worship, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152),

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of gratitude and remembrance of Allah in our worship. When we are content with what we have, we are more likely to be grateful and remember Allah, which in turn enhances the quality of our worship.

Furthermore, 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.

This verse reminds us that while we should strive for the Hereafter, we should not neglect our worldly responsibilities. Contentment allows us to strike a balance between seeking the rewards of the Hereafter and fulfilling our obligations in this world.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the transformative power of contentment in our worship. When we are content, our worship becomes sincere, free from the distractions of worldly desires. Contentment enables us to focus on the essence of worship, seeking the pleasure of Allah alone. It motivates us to perform acts of devotion with sincerity and excellence, knowing that we are already blessed with what we need.

Contentment in worship also has profound consequences in our lives. It cultivates a sense of inner peace and tranquility, freeing us from the constant pursuit of material possessions. It helps us appreciate the blessings we have been granted and prevents us from falling into the trap of envy and greed. Contentment allows us to find joy and fulfillment in our worship, regardless of our circumstances.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense wisdom and knowledge possessed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His deep understanding of the Quranic teachings enabled him to articulate profound insights that continue to guide and inspire Muslims to this day. May we strive to embody the spirit of contentment in our worship, seeking the pleasure of Allah and finding solace in His blessings.