Hadith #8785

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due 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.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of contentment with worldly possessions for the sake of preserving one's religion. The key words in this Hadith are (be content) "اِقْنَعُوا" and (the little that he gets) "البُلْغَةُ اليَسيرَةُ".

The word (be content) "اِقْنَعُوا" comes from the root word "قَنِعَ" which means to be satisfied or content. It implies that one should be satisfied with what they have and not constantly strive for more worldly possessions. This contentment is not only for the sake of material well-being but also for the preservation of one's faith.

To further understand the significance of contentment, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:155-156)

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, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.'

This ayah reminds us that trials and tribulations are a part of life, including the loss of wealth. However, the patient believers are those who remain content and steadfast in their faith, recognizing that everything belongs to Allah and that they will ultimately return to Him. Their contentment is rooted in their trust in Allah's wisdom and their focus on the eternal rewards of the Hereafter.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further emphasizes the importance of contentment by stating that

the believer is satisfied with the little that he gets of this world.

This statement highlights the distinction between the mindset of a believer and that of a worldly person.

The Quran also addresses the concept of contentment in various verses. In Surah At-Tawbah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 reminds us that whatever we receive in this world is determined by Allah's decree. Believers understand that their sustenance and provisions come from Allah, and they rely on Him alone. They are content with what Allah has ordained for them, knowing that He is their ultimate protector and provider.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to be content with little from worldly possessions has profound implications for our lives. By being content, we free ourselves from the constant pursuit of material wealth, which often leads to dissatisfaction, greed, and a neglect of our spiritual well-being.

Contentment allows us to focus on what truly matters, such as strengthening our relationship with Allah, fulfilling our religious obligations, and serving humanity. It helps us develop gratitude for the blessings we have been given and prevents us from becoming consumed by the desires of this world.

Moreover, contentment brings inner peace and tranquility. When we are satisfied with what we have, we are not burdened by the constant desire for more. This frees our hearts and minds to engage in acts of worship and to cultivate a sense of spiritual fulfillment.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of contentment with little from our worldly possessions for the sake of preserving our religion. By being content, we align ourselves with the teachings of the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions. Contentment allows us to focus on our spiritual growth, develop gratitude, and find inner peace. May Allah grant us the ability to be content and satisfied with what He has decreed for us.