Hadith #8826

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

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

لَمْ يَتَحَلَّ بِالقَناعَةِ مَنْ لَمْ يَكْتَفِ بِيَسيرِ ما وَجَدَ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is not satisfied with the little that he gets has not adorned himself with contentment.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (qana'ah) "قَناعَةِ" refers to contentment, satisfaction, and being pleased with what one has. It is a state of the heart where one finds tranquility and gratitude in the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). The word (yaktafi) "يَكْتَفِ" means to be sufficient or satisfied with, to find fulfillment in. And the word (biyaseer) "بِيَسيرِ" signifies a small or little amount.

To comprehend the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 286,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, only gives us what we can handle. Therefore, we should be content with the provisions and blessings He has bestowed upon us, regardless of their magnitude.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Talaq, verse 7, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect.

This verse highlights the importance of placing our trust in Allah and having faith in His divine plan. When we are content with what we have, Allah opens doors of sustenance and blessings for us, even from unexpected sources.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the significance of contentment in our lives. It teaches us that true contentment lies in being satisfied with the little that we have, rather than constantly yearning for more. When we are content, we free ourselves from the shackles of materialism and greed. We learn to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon us, no matter how small they may seem.

This Hadith also serves as a reminder that contentment is not dependent on the quantity of our possessions, but rather on the state of our hearts. It is a reflection of our gratitude and trust in Allah's wisdom and provision. When we adorn ourselves with contentment, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility, regardless of our circumstances.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified the virtue of contentment. Despite his immense knowledge, wisdom, and leadership, he led a simple and humble life. He was known for his detachment from worldly possessions and his unwavering trust in Allah's provision. His contentment allowed him to focus on his spiritual growth and the betterment of the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of contentment in our lives. It urges us to be satisfied with the little that we have, recognizing that true fulfillment lies in gratitude and trust in Allah's divine plan. By adorning ourselves with contentment, we can attain inner peace and cultivate a deeper connection with our Creator. May Allah grant us the wisdom to embrace contentment and find solace in His blessings.