مَنْ لَمْ يُقَنِّعْ بِما قُدِّرَ لَهُ تَعَنّى۔
One who is not satisfied with what has been decreed for him faces hardship.
— Imam Ali a.s.
(Ghurar al-Hikam: Contentment And The Contented)
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. 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 لَمْ يُقَنِّعْ بِما قُدِّرَ لَهُ تَعَنّى۔
This Hadith emphasizes the importance of being content and satisfied with the decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in our lives.
Let us delve into the meaning of some key words in this Hadith. The word (quddira) "قُدِّرَ" refers to the divine decree or predestination that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has ordained for each individual. It encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our circumstances, abilities, and the challenges we face. The word (ta'anna) "تَعَنَّى" means to suffer or experience hardship.
To understand the enlightening message of this Hadith, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of contentment and acceptance of His decree. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:155-156)
And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'
This verse reminds us that trials and tribulations are a part of life, and it is our duty as Muslims to remain patient and content with whatever Allah has decreed for us. We should not allow ourselves to be consumed by frustration or despair, but rather, we should turn to Allah in times of difficulty and seek solace in His infinite wisdom and mercy.
Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the consequences of not being satisfied with Allah's decree. When a person refuses to accept what has been ordained for them, they subject themselves to unnecessary suffering and hardship. This dissatisfaction with Allah's decree can lead to a constant state of discontentment, which in turn affects one's mental and emotional well-being.
For example, imagine a person who is constantly comparing themselves to others and feeling dissatisfied with their own circumstances. They may become envious of others' blessings and achievements, leading to feelings of resentment and unhappiness. This constant state of discontentment not only affects their own peace of mind but also hinders their ability to appreciate and be grateful for the blessings they have been bestowed with.
On the other hand, when a person embraces contentment and accepts Allah's decree, they free themselves from the shackles of discontentment and find solace in the knowledge that everything that happens to them is part of Allah's divine plan. This acceptance brings about inner peace and tranquility, allowing them to navigate through life's challenges with grace and resilience.
In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be content and satisfied with the decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) in their lives. By accepting and embracing Allah's plan, we can free ourselves from unnecessary suffering and find solace in His infinite wisdom. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to be content with His decree and to face hardships with patience and gratitude.
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