Hadith #8833

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,

مَنْ قَنِعَ بِقِسْمِ اللّهِ اِسْتَغْنى۔

which translates to

One who is contented with the allotment of Allah becomes needless.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of contentment with what Allah has decreed for us.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith. The word (qani'a) "قَنِعَ" refers to being contented, satisfied, and accepting of one's circumstances. It implies a state of inner peace and tranquility, where one is not constantly desiring more or feeling envious of others. The word (qism) "قِسْمِ" refers to the allotment or portion that Allah has decreed for each individual. It encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our wealth, health, relationships, and overall destiny.

This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of contentment and gratitude in various verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:155-156)

And give good tidings to the patient, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return'

This verse encourages us to be patient and content in times of difficulty, recognizing that everything is ultimately in the hands of Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Talaq, Allah says, (Quran 65:3)

And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him

This verse reminds us that true sufficiency and contentment can only be found in relying on Allah alone. When we trust in His wisdom and accept His decree, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of worldly desires and find true peace within ourselves.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement carries profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims. When we are content with what Allah has allotted for us, we become needless. This does not mean that we should not strive for improvement or work towards our goals. Rather, it means that we should be satisfied with our current circumstances while striving for betterment within the boundaries of Islam.

Contentment brings numerous benefits to our lives. Firstly, it allows us to appreciate the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. When we constantly desire more and fail to appreciate what we already have, we become ungrateful and lose sight of the countless blessings surrounding us. Contentment helps us develop a positive mindset and fosters gratitude towards Allah.

Secondly, contentment protects us from envy and jealousy. When we are content with our own portion, we are less likely to compare ourselves to others and feel resentful towards them. This leads to healthier relationships and a more harmonious society.

Thirdly, contentment frees us from the constant pursuit of material possessions and worldly desires. In a consumer-driven society, it is easy to fall into the trap of always wanting more. However, true happiness and fulfillment lie not in accumulating wealth and possessions, but in finding contentment with what Allah has decreed for us.

Lastly, contentment strengthens our faith and trust in Allah. When we accept His decree and have faith in His wisdom, we develop a deeper connection with our Creator. We understand that everything happens for a reason, even if we may not comprehend it at the moment. This trust in Allah's plan brings peace and tranquility to our hearts.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of contentment with the allotment of Allah. By being satisfied with what Allah has decreed for us, we become needless and find true peace and fulfillment in our lives. This concept is beautifully supported by various Quranic verses that emphasize the virtues of contentment, gratitude, and reliance on Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody this teaching in our lives.