Hadith #10892

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Lack of contentment is the bane of piety.

Let us delve into the meaning of this impactful saying and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (afeh) "آفَةُ" in Arabic refers to a harmful or destructive quality. It signifies something that brings about ruin or detriment. In this context, it refers to the negative consequence that arises from the absence of (warā') "الوَرَعِ" or piety. Piety is the state of being conscious of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and striving to fulfill His commands and abstain from His prohibitions.

The Hadith further explains that the (qillatul qana'ah) "قِلَّةُ القَناعَةِ" or lack of contentment is the specific aspect that undermines piety. Contentment refers to being satisfied and grateful with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided, both materially and spiritually. It is the opposite of greed and covetousness.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of contentment in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse encourages us to remember Allah and be grateful for His blessings. By being content with what we have, we acknowledge Allah's favor upon us and avoid denying His bounties.

Another verse that highlights the significance of contentment is found in Surah At-Talaq (65:3), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

This verse assures us that Allah is the ultimate provider and sustainer. By relying on Him and being content with His provisions, we can find peace and fulfillment.

Now, let us reflect on the thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Lack of contentment, or being constantly dissatisfied with what Allah has decreed for us, undermines our piety. When we are not content, we become preoccupied with acquiring more wealth, status, or possessions, often at the expense of our spiritual well-being. This insatiable desire for more can lead to neglecting our religious obligations and indulging in sinful behavior.

Moreover, lack of contentment breeds envy, jealousy, and resentment towards others. We become consumed by comparing ourselves to others and feeling discontented with our own circumstances. This negativity not only harms our relationship with Allah but also damages our relationships with others.

On the other hand, contentment is a virtue that brings peace and tranquility to the heart. It allows us to appreciate and be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us, no matter how small they may seem. Contentment enables us to focus on our spiritual growth and the fulfillment of our duties towards Allah and His creation.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, reminds us of the detrimental consequences of lacking contentment. By recognizing the destructive nature of discontentment and striving to cultivate contentment in our hearts, we can safeguard our piety and strengthen our relationship with Allah.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to be content with His decree and the ability to strive for piety. May He bless us with the understanding and application of these teachings in our daily lives. Ameen.