Hadith #8810

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the virtue of contentment and its impact on our livelihood and behavior. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith and explore its significance in light of the Quran.

The word (qana'ah) "قَنَاعَةُ" in Arabic refers to contentment or satisfaction with what one possesses. It is the state of being pleased and grateful for what Allah has bestowed upon us, without constantly desiring more. This contentment is not a passive acceptance of one's circumstances, but rather an active choice to be grateful and find fulfillment in what one already has.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) describes the fruit of contentment as (al-ijmalu fi al-muktasab) "الإجْمَالُ فِي المُكْتَسَبِ", which can be translated as being moderate in earning one's livelihood. This means that contentment leads to a balanced approach in acquiring wealth and sustenance. It encourages Muslims to work diligently and earn a living, but without excessive greed or unethical means. It promotes a sense of responsibility and integrity in our financial endeavors.

The second part of the Hadith states (wa al-'uzoofu 'ani at-talab) "وَالعُزُوفُ عَنِ ٱلطَّلَبِ", which can be translated as refraining from asking others. This emphasizes self-reliance and discourages dependency on others for our needs. Contentment teaches us to be self-sufficient and to rely on our own efforts, rather than constantly seeking assistance from others. It encourages us to be grateful for what we have and to strive for self-sufficiency.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of contentment and its impact on our lives. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 197:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O you of understanding.

This verse reminds us that the best provision for our journey in this world is not material wealth, but rather piety and consciousness of Allah. Contentment allows us to prioritize our spiritual growth over material possessions.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.

This verse reminds us to seek the rewards of the Hereafter while not neglecting our responsibilities in this world. Contentment helps us strike a balance between our worldly pursuits and our spiritual aspirations.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that contentment leads to moderation in earning our livelihood and refraining from constantly seeking assistance from others. It encourages us to be grateful for what we have and to strive for self-sufficiency. By practicing contentment, we can find peace and fulfillment in our lives, while also maintaining a balance between our material and spiritual pursuits.

When we embody the virtue of contentment, we become less attached to the material world and more focused on our spiritual growth. We learn to appreciate the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us and to use them in a way that pleases Him. Contentment allows us to overcome the constant desire for more and to find satisfaction in the present moment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of contentment in our lives. It teaches us to be moderate in our pursuit of wealth, to refrain from constantly seeking assistance from others, and to find fulfillment in what we already possess. By practicing contentment, we can strike a balance between our material and spiritual lives, and ultimately find peace and satisfaction in the blessings of Allah. May Allah grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the virtue of contentment in our lives.