Hadith #8823

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, "كَفى بِالقَناعَةِ مُِلْكاً۔" This can be translated as,

Contentment is enough of a possession.

In this enlightening Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance and power of contentment in our lives.

The word (qana'ah) "قَناعَةِ" in this Hadith refers to contentment or satisfaction with what one has, without desiring more. It is the state of being pleased and grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Contentment is not about having everything we desire, but rather about finding peace and happiness in what we already possess.

The importance of contentment is emphasized in the Quran as well. 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 reminds us to be grateful to Allah for His blessings and to remember Him in all aspects of our lives. Through contentment, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for what we have been given.

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

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

This verse reassures us that if we place our trust in Allah and are content with His decree, He will be sufficient for us. Contentment allows us to rely on Allah's wisdom and plan, knowing that He is the best of planners.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound impact of contentment on our lives. When we are content with what we have, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of material possessions and worldly desires. This leads to inner peace, tranquility, and a sense of fulfillment.

Contentment also protects us from the negative consequences of greed and envy. When we are content, we are less likely to engage in unethical behavior, such as cheating, stealing, or hoarding wealth. Contentment fosters a sense of fairness and justice, as we are satisfied with our own portion and do not covet what others possess.

Moreover, contentment enables us to focus on our spiritual growth and connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When we are not constantly chasing after worldly possessions, we have more time and energy to devote to acts of worship, seeking knowledge, and serving others. Contentment allows us to prioritize our eternal life over temporary worldly gains.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) profound statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to cultivate contentment in their lives. By being grateful for what we have, relying on Allah's provision, and seeking satisfaction in our current circumstances, we can attain a state of inner peace and fulfillment. Contentment is not about having everything, but about appreciating and making the most of what we already possess. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) bless us with the ability to be content and grateful, and may He grant us success in this life and the Hereafter.