Hadith #4449

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 progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he beautifully expresses the power of contentment and acceptance of Allah's decree in alleviating sadness and worries. Let us delve into the exegesis of this Hadith and explore its significance in the light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (taarid) "طَارِدُ" and (rida) "رِضَا". "طَارِدُ" is derived from the root word "طَرَدَ" which means to expel or drive away. It signifies the ability to remove or eliminate something. "رِضَا" refers to satisfaction, contentment, and acceptance of Allah's decree. It implies being pleased and at peace with whatever Allah has decreed for us.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of contentment and acceptance of Allah's decree in several verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216):

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse highlights the limited knowledge and understanding of human beings compared to the comprehensive knowledge of Allah. It teaches us that what we perceive as negative or undesirable may actually be beneficial for us in the long run.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Tawbah (9:51), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states:

Say, 'Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And upon Allah let the believers rely.

This verse reminds us that everything that happens to us is by the decree of Allah, and as believers, we should place our trust in Him and rely on His wisdom and guidance.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in this Hadith reflects his deep understanding of the Quranic teachings. He highlights the power of contentment and acceptance in dispelling sadness and worries. When we submit ourselves to the will of Allah and trust in His plan, we free ourselves from the burden of anxiety and distress. Instead of dwelling on what we cannot control, we focus on improving our relationship with Allah and seeking His pleasure.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words also remind us of the importance of having a positive mindset and finding blessings in every situation. Even in the face of adversity, a believer should maintain a hopeful outlook and recognize that there is wisdom and goodness in Allah's decree, even if it is not immediately apparent to us. This mindset allows us to navigate through life's challenges with resilience and inner peace.

By practicing contentment and acceptance, we cultivate a deep sense of gratitude towards Allah. We acknowledge that He is the All-Knowing and All-Wise, and His decree is always in our best interest. This gratitude further strengthens our relationship with Allah and increases our spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to embrace contentment and acceptance of Allah's decree. It teaches us to trust in His wisdom, find blessings in every situation, and seek solace in His guidance. By embodying these principles, we can attain true peace and tranquility in our hearts, expelling sadness and worries from our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to internalize this wisdom and live our lives in accordance with His decree.