Hadith #6413

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "اِعْتَبِرْ تَقْتَنِعْ۔" This can be translated as,

Take lesson and you will become content.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound statement in light of the Quran.

The word (i'tabar) "اِعْتَبِرْ" comes from the root word (a'bara) "عبر", which means to reflect, ponder, or contemplate. It implies the act of deeply considering and understanding the lessons and wisdom that can be derived from various situations and experiences. It encourages us to engage in critical thinking and to seek knowledge and understanding from the events that occur in our lives.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of reflection and contemplation in the Quran. In Surah Al-Imran, Allah says, (Quran 3:190-191)

Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], 'Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.'

This verse highlights the significance of contemplating the signs of Allah's creation and recognizing His purpose behind it. By reflecting upon the intricate design and order in the universe, we can gain a deeper understanding of Allah's wisdom and power. This reflection leads to a sense of awe and gratitude, which in turn brings contentment to our hearts.

The second part of the Hadith states, (taqteni') "تَقْتَنِعْ". This word is derived from the root word (qana'a) "قَنَعَ", which means to be content, satisfied, or fulfilled. It signifies a state of inner peace and tranquility that arises from understanding and accepting the lessons learned through reflection.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of contentment. In Surah At-Tawbah, Allah says, (Quran 9:51)

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 teaches us that true contentment comes from recognizing that everything that happens to us is by the decree of Allah. It is a reminder to trust in Allah's plan and to rely on Him in all aspects of our lives. When we have this level of trust and reliance, we can find contentment even in the face of adversity.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to seek knowledge and understanding from the events and experiences we encounter. By reflecting upon these lessons, we can gain a deeper insight into the wisdom and purpose behind them. This reflection leads to a sense of contentment and fulfillment, as we recognize the hand of Allah in every aspect of our lives.

For example, if we face a difficult situation or encounter a challenge, instead of becoming disheartened or frustrated, we should reflect upon the lessons that can be learned from it. We can ask ourselves,

What is Allah trying to teach me through this experience? How can I grow and improve as a result of it?

By seeking answers to these questions, we can transform our hardships into opportunities for personal growth and spiritual development.

Moreover, this Hadith also highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and understanding in order to attain contentment. The more we learn about the teachings of Islam, the more we understand the purpose of our existence and the guidance provided by Allah. This knowledge equips us with the tools to navigate through life's challenges and find contentment in our relationship with Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) "اِعْتَبِرْ تَقْتَنِعْ۔" urges us to reflect upon the lessons and wisdom that can be derived from our experiences. By seeking knowledge and understanding, we can gain a deeper insight into Allah's purpose and find contentment in our relationship with Him. May Allah grant us the ability to reflect upon His signs and find contentment in His guidance.