Hadith #8690

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

كُلُّ مُقْتَصَر عَلَيْهِ كاف۔

This can be translated into English as,

Everything that one is contented with, suffices.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (muqtasar) "مُقْتَصَر" in this Hadith refers to something that is limited or restricted. It implies a state of contentment with what one possesses, without seeking more or feeling the need for excess. It is a state of being satisfied with what is sufficient for one's needs.

This Hadith reminds us of the importance of contentment and gratitude in our lives. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of contentment in the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 14:7)

And [recall] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

Contentment is a quality that leads to inner peace and tranquility. When we are content with what Allah has blessed us with, we are able to recognize the abundance in our lives and appreciate the blessings, both big and small. This contentment allows us to focus on the present moment and find joy in the simple pleasures of life.

The concept of contentment is beautifully illustrated in the story of Prophet Ayyub (Job) in the Quran. Despite facing immense hardships and losing his wealth, health, and family, Prophet Ayyub remained patient and content. Allah says, (Quran 38:44)

Indeed, We found him patient, an excellent servant. Indeed, he was one repeatedly turning back [to Allah].

Prophet Ayyub serves as an inspiration for us to remain content and patient during times of difficulty. His story teaches us that true contentment comes from our connection with Allah and our trust in His plan. It is a state of mind that allows us to find peace even in the face of adversity.

When Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that everything that one is contented with suffices, he is reminding us of the power of contentment. By being satisfied with what we have, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of material possessions and worldly desires. We learn to appreciate the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us and find contentment in our current circumstances.

This Hadith encourages us to reflect on our own lives and assess our level of contentment. Are we constantly seeking more, never satisfied with what we have? Or do we find contentment in the blessings that Allah has already bestowed upon us? By adopting a mindset of contentment, we can find peace and fulfillment in our lives.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of contentment and gratitude. It reminds us to be satisfied with what Allah has blessed us with and to find joy in the present moment. By cultivating a mindset of contentment, we can experience true peace and fulfillment in our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to be content and grateful, and may He bless us with His infinite mercy and guidance.