Hadith #4434

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 Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states: "ثَمَرَةُ الرِّضا الغَناءُ۔" This can be translated as:

The fruit of satisfaction is prosperity.

Let us delve into the significance of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word (rida) "رِّضا" in this Hadith refers to satisfaction, contentment, and acceptance. It is a state of being pleased and content with the decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). When a person is satisfied with what Allah has decreed for them, they attain a sense of tranquility and inner peace. This satisfaction is not passive acceptance, but rather an active state of embracing the will of Allah with gratitude and trust.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of contentment in numerous verses of the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:155-157)

And give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.' Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.

This verse highlights the connection between patience, acceptance, and the blessings and mercy of Allah. When we face difficulties and trials with patience and contentment, we open ourselves up to the abundant blessings and mercy of Allah. Our satisfaction with His decree becomes a means of attaining prosperity and success in this life and the Hereafter.

Furthermore, the word (ghina) "الغَناءُ" in the Hadith refers to prosperity, abundance, and richness. It encompasses both material and spiritual wealth. When a person is content and satisfied with what they have, they are freed from the constant pursuit of worldly possessions and desires. They find fulfillment in their relationship with Allah and in the blessings that He has bestowed upon them.

In Surah At-Talaq, Allah says, (Quran 65:2-3)

And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

This verse highlights the promise of Allah to provide for those who fear Him and rely on Him. When we are content with what Allah has given us and trust in His provision, He opens doors of sustenance and blessings for us from unexpected sources. Our satisfaction with His decree becomes a means of experiencing prosperity and abundance in all aspects of our lives.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we understand that true prosperity lies in being content and satisfied with the decree of Allah. It is not about accumulating wealth or possessions, but rather about finding peace and fulfillment in our relationship with Allah. When we embrace His will with gratitude and trust, we open ourselves up to His abundant blessings and mercy. This satisfaction becomes a source of prosperity and success in this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to be truly satisfied and content with His decree. May He bless us with prosperity and success in this life and the Hereafter. And may we always strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in seeking satisfaction and contentment in our relationship with Allah.