Hadith #8801

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,

القانع غنيّ، وإن جاع وعرى

which translates to

The contented one is rich, even if he is hungry and unclothed.

This thought-provoking Hadith highlights the importance of contentment and the true meaning of wealth in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (al-qāniʿ) "القانع" refers to the one who is content and satisfied with what Allah has provided for them. This person is not constantly seeking more material possessions or worldly desires, but rather finds peace and fulfillment in what they already have. The word (ghaniyy) "غنيّ" means rich or wealthy, indicating that true wealth lies in contentment and not in material possessions.

To further comprehend the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286),

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

This verse reminds us that Allah knows what is best for us and provides us with what we need, even if it may not align with our desires. Therefore, the contented one recognizes and accepts Allah's decree, finding solace in His wisdom and mercy.

Another verse that supports the message of this Hadith is found in Surah At-Talaq (65:3), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah and finding contentment in His provision. When we place our trust in Allah and are satisfied with what He has given us, we find true richness and fulfillment.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes towards wealth and contentment. It reminds us that true richness is not measured by material possessions, but rather by the state of our hearts and our level of contentment. Even if a person is hungry and unclothed, if they possess contentment and gratitude for what Allah has provided, they are indeed rich in the eyes of Allah.

This Hadith also serves as a motivation for us to cultivate contentment in our lives. By focusing on the blessings we have been given and being grateful for them, we can find peace and happiness. Contentment enables us to overcome the constant pursuit of worldly desires and to appreciate the simple joys of life. It allows us to detach ourselves from the materialistic mindset that often leads to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Furthermore, this Hadith has profound consequences on our spiritual and emotional well-being. When we are content with what Allah has decreed for us, we free ourselves from the shackles of envy, greed, and comparison. This contentment leads to inner peace and tranquility, allowing us to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. It also strengthens our relationship with Allah, as we acknowledge His wisdom and trust in His plan for us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that true wealth lies in contentment and gratitude. It reminds us that being satisfied with what Allah has provided, even in times of hardship, is a sign of richness in the sight of Allah. By reflecting on this Hadith and implementing its teachings in our lives, we can attain a state of true contentment and experience the richness of the heart. May Allah grant us the ability to be content and grateful, and may He bless us with true wealth in this world and the Hereafter.