Hadith #4466

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلَامُ), and his companions.

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

مَنْ رَضِيَ بِالمَقْدُورِ اِكْتَفى بِالمَيْسُورِ

which translates to

One who is pleased with what has been decreed becomes content with little.

This beautiful saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of accepting and being satisfied with the divine decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To understand the deeper meaning of this hadith, let us examine the key words used. The word (maqdoor) "مَقْدُورِ" refers to what has been decreed or predestined by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses all aspects of our lives, including our successes, failures, joys, and hardships. The word (iktafa) "اِكْتَفَى" means to be content or satisfied, while (maysoor) "مَيْسُورِ" refers to something that is easy or sufficient.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of accepting His decree and being content with what He has ordained. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216, Allah says,

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 reminds us that our limited understanding may lead us to dislike something that is ultimately beneficial for us, while something we desire may be harmful.

Furthermore, in Surah At-Talaq, verse 3, Allah states,

And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him.

This verse reassures us that when we place our trust in Allah and accept His decree, He will provide us with sufficiency and contentment, even in the face of adversity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a reminder for Muslims to have a positive outlook on life and to trust in Allah's wisdom and plan. When we are pleased with what Allah has decreed for us, we become content with whatever we have, whether it is little or abundant. This contentment brings inner peace and prevents us from constantly yearning for more, which can lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself exemplified this quality of contentment. Despite facing numerous challenges and hardships throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his faith and accepted the divine decree with grace and humility. His unwavering trust in Allah's plan allowed him to find contentment and satisfaction, even in the most difficult circumstances.

By adopting the mindset of being pleased with what Allah has decreed, we can cultivate gratitude and develop a stronger connection with our Creator. We learn to appreciate the blessings in our lives, no matter how small they may seem, and we become less attached to material possessions and worldly desires. This mindset also helps us to overcome adversity and face challenges with resilience and patience, knowing that everything happens according to Allah's wisdom and plan.

In conclusion, the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of accepting and being content with the divine decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By being pleased with what Allah has ordained for us, we find contentment and sufficiency, regardless of our circumstances. This mindset of acceptance and gratitude allows us to develop a deeper connection with our Creator and navigate through life's challenges with patience and resilience. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody this teaching in our lives.