Hadith #3434

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he mentions three traits that are the keys to attaining goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. These traits are: being satisfied with what has been decreed by Allah, patience in the face of hardship, and thankfulness in times of ease.

Let us delve deeper into the meanings of these important words and explore their significance in light of the Quran.

The first trait mentioned by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is (rida) "رِضَا", which translates to "being satisfied" or "contentment." This refers to accepting and being pleased with the decree of Allah, recognizing that everything that happens is part of His divine plan. The Quran emphasizes the importance of contentment in numerous verses, such as in Surah At-Tawbah, where Allah says, (Quran 2:201)

And among them is he who says, 'Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire'

This verse highlights the need for believers to trust in Allah's wisdom and be content with His decree, knowing that He knows what is best for us.

The second trait mentioned is (sabr) "صَبْر", which translates to "patience." Patience is the ability to endure hardships and difficulties with steadfastness and perseverance. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of patience and its rewards. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 2:155)

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

This verse reminds us that trials and tribulations are a part of life, and it is through patience that we can navigate through them and emerge stronger. Patience allows us to maintain our faith and trust in Allah even in the face of adversity.

The third trait mentioned is (shukr) "شُكْر", which translates to "thankfulness" or "gratitude." Gratitude is the act of recognizing and appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, whether they are big or small. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of gratitude and its connection to increased blessings. In Surah Ibrahim, Allah says, (Quran 14:7)

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe'

This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of gratitude, where expressing gratitude leads to an increase in blessings from Allah. Gratitude allows us to acknowledge the countless favors and blessings we have been granted, fostering a sense of contentment and humility.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that possessing these three traits leads to the attainment of goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. When we are content with Allah's decree, patient in the face of hardships, and grateful for His blessings, we develop a mindset that is aligned with the teachings of Islam. This mindset allows us to navigate the challenges of life with grace and humility, while also appreciating the abundance of blessings that surround us.

By being content with Allah's decree, we free ourselves from the shackles of desire and attachment to worldly possessions. We recognize that true happiness lies in submitting to the will of Allah and trusting His plan for us. This contentment brings inner peace and tranquility, allowing us to focus on our spiritual growth and the pursuit of the Hereafter.

Patience in the face of hardships enables us to endure trials with resilience and fortitude. It is through patience that we develop strength of character and deepen our connection with Allah. Patience allows us to maintain our faith and seek solace in the knowledge that Allah is with us during our struggles. It is through patience that we can overcome challenges and emerge stronger, both spiritually and emotionally.

Gratitude, the third trait mentioned, is a powerful tool that transforms our perspective on life. When we express gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon us, we develop a sense of humility and recognize that all good comes from Allah. Gratitude helps us cultivate a positive mindset and appreciate the abundance of blessings, whether they are material or spiritual. It also fosters a sense of contentment and prevents us from falling into the trap of greed and materialism.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of contentment, patience, and gratitude in attaining goodness in both this world and the Hereafter. These traits are deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran, which repeatedly emphasizes the significance of being content with Allah's decree, patient in the face of hardships, and grateful for His blessings. By embodying these traits, we can navigate the challenges of life with grace and humility, while also appreciating the abundance of blessings that surround us. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate these traits and attain goodness in this world and the Hereafter.