Hadith #7254

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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 عَقَلَ قَنِعَ۔" This can be translated as,

One who has intelligence is content.

In this short but beautiful Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the correlation between intelligence and contentment.

To understand the deeper meaning of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words. The word (aqala) "عَقَلَ" refers to intelligence or intellect. It signifies the ability to reason, comprehend, and make sound judgments. The word (qani'a) "قَنِعَ" means contentment or satisfaction with what one has. It implies being pleased and at peace with one's circumstances, without the desire for excessive material possessions or worldly gains.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of intelligence and wisdom. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 269, Allah says,

He grants wisdom to whom He pleases, and whoever is granted wisdom is indeed given a great good.

This verse highlights that intelligence is a divine gift bestowed upon individuals by Allah, and it brings immense benefits to those who possess it.

Furthermore, the Quran repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of contentment. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 152, Allah says,

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

This verse encourages believers to be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah and to avoid ingratitude or dissatisfaction.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in recognizing the value of contentment. It implies that a person who possesses intelligence will be satisfied with what they have, rather than constantly striving for more. This does not mean that one should not have ambitions or goals, but rather that they should be balanced and in line with the teachings of Islam.

Intelligence and contentment go hand in hand. When a person is content with what they have, they are able to make wise decisions and prioritize their actions based on what truly matters. They are not swayed by the temporary allure of material possessions or the pursuit of worldly desires. Instead, they focus on seeking the pleasure of Allah and striving for eternal success.

This Hadith reminds us of the importance of cultivating intelligence and contentment in our lives. It encourages us to use our intellect to make wise choices and to be satisfied with the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. By doing so, we can attain a state of inner peace and tranquility, free from the constant desire for more.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true intelligence lies in contentment. It urges us to use our intellect to recognize the value of what we already possess and to be grateful for it. By doing so, we can attain a state of inner peace and align our actions with the teachings of Islam. May Allah grant us the wisdom and contentment to lead a fulfilling and righteous life.