Hadith #8838

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ وُهِبَتْ لَهُ القَناعَةُ صانَتْهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is granted contentment is preserved by it.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (wuḥibat) "وُهِبَتْ" means "granted" or "bestowed." (al-qana'ah) "القَناعَةُ" refers to contentment or satisfaction. And (ṣānaṭuhu) "صانَتْهُ" means "preserved" or "protected."

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of contentment in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (2:152)

And [recall] 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 connection between gratitude and contentment. When we are content with what Allah has provided us, and we express gratitude for His blessings, He promises to increase us in favor.

Another verse that supports the message of the Hadith is found in Surah At-Talaq, where Allah says, (65:3)

And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

This verse reminds us that true contentment comes from relying on Allah and trusting in His plan. When we have faith in Allah's wisdom and rely on Him, He will take care of our needs and protect us from harm.

Now, let us reflect on the wise message of the Hadith. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that contentment is not just a fleeting feeling, but a state of being that brings protection and preservation. When we are content with what Allah has decreed for us, we are shielded from the negative effects of greed, envy, and dissatisfaction. Contentment acts as a barrier against the constant pursuit of material possessions and worldly desires that can lead to spiritual and emotional turmoil.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, understood the importance of contentment in maintaining a balanced and peaceful life. He exemplified this quality in his own life, even in the face of adversity and hardship. His contentment allowed him to remain steadfast in his faith and guided him to make decisions that were in line with the teachings of Islam.

The consequences of embracing contentment are far-reaching. When we are content, we are able to find joy and satisfaction in the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us, no matter how small they may seem. This leads to a sense of inner peace and tranquility, freeing us from the constant pursuit of material possessions and societal expectations. Contentment also fosters gratitude, which is a fundamental aspect of our faith. When we are grateful for what we have, we are more likely to use our blessings in a way that benefits others and brings us closer to Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound significance of contentment in our lives. It is not merely a fleeting emotion, but a state of being that brings protection and preservation. By embracing contentment, we shield ourselves from the negative effects of greed and dissatisfaction, and find peace and satisfaction in the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate contentment in our hearts and lead lives that are pleasing to Him.