Hadith #7240

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The sufficiency of an intelligent person is through his wisdom and his honour is through his contentment.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ghina) "غِنَى" in Arabic refers to sufficiency or self-sufficiency. It implies that an intelligent person does not rely on external factors for their well-being, but rather finds contentment and fulfillment within themselves. This self-sufficiency is achieved through the acquisition and application of wisdom, which is the ability to discern and make sound judgments.

The word (aql) "عاقِل" refers to an intelligent or rational person. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of wisdom and intellect. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 269, Allah says,

He grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been granted wisdom has certainly been given much good.

This verse highlights that wisdom is a divine gift bestowed upon those whom Allah chooses. It is through this wisdom that an intelligent person attains sufficiency.

Furthermore, the word (hikmah) "حِكْمَة" refers to wisdom. In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) praises those who possess wisdom and understanding. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 269, Allah says,

And Allah is Knowing and Wise.

This verse signifies that Allah is the ultimate source of wisdom and that true wisdom comes from Him. Therefore, an intelligent person seeks wisdom from Allah and utilizes it to navigate through life's challenges.

The second part of the Hadith states,

and his honour is through his contentment.

The word (izzuhu) "عِزُّهُ" refers to honor or dignity. It implies that true honor is not derived from material possessions or societal status, but rather from a state of contentment and satisfaction with what one has. This contentment stems from recognizing and appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of contentment and gratitude. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 172, Allah says,

O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.

This verse reminds us to be grateful for the blessings we have been given and to find contentment in them.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the significance of wisdom and contentment in this Hadith. He teaches us that true sufficiency and honor lie in the acquisition of wisdom and the cultivation of contentment. An intelligent person, through their wisdom, is able to make informed decisions and navigate through life's challenges. Their honor is not derived from material possessions or societal recognition, but rather from their inner contentment and gratitude for what Allah has blessed them with.

This Hadith serves as a reminder for all Muslims to seek knowledge, acquire wisdom, and find contentment in the blessings bestowed upon them. By doing so, we can attain true sufficiency and honor in the sight of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah grant us the wisdom to make sound judgments and the contentment to appreciate His blessings.