Hadith #4438

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

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ رَضِيَ بِالقَضاءِ طابَتْ عيشَتُهُ۔

This Hadith can be translated as,

Whoever is pleased with [Allah’s] decree, his life becomes pleasant.

Let us delve into the meaning of some important words in this Hadith. The word (radiya) "رَضِيَ" means to be pleased, satisfied, or content. It signifies a state of acceptance and tranquility in the face of Allah's decree. The word (bil-qada) "بِالقَضاءِ" refers to Allah's divine decree or predestination. It encompasses all that occurs in our lives, whether it be blessings or trials, as part of Allah's plan for us.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216:

But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.

This verse reminds us that our limited human perspective may lead us to dislike or reject certain events or circumstances in our lives. However, Allah's infinite knowledge and wisdom surpasses our understanding. What may appear unfavorable to us in the present moment could actually be a means of immense blessings and growth in the long run. Therefore, when we accept Allah's decree with contentment and trust in His wisdom, our lives become pleasant, regardless of the challenges we face.

Another verse that complements the message of this Hadith is found in Surah Al-Isra, verse 82:

And We send down of the Qur'an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss.

The Quran is a source of guidance, solace, and healing for the believers. When we internalize its teachings and align our hearts with its principles, we find peace and tranquility even in the midst of adversity. By accepting Allah's decree and seeking solace in His words, we are able to navigate the ups and downs of life with a sense of purpose and serenity.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, reminds us of the importance of being content with Allah's decree. When we embrace the trials and tribulations that come our way, we develop resilience, patience, and a deeper connection with our Creator. Our perspective shifts from one of resistance to one of acceptance, and this shift in mindset has profound consequences for our well-being.

When we are pleased with Allah's decree, we free ourselves from the shackles of discontentment and resentment. We no longer dwell on what could have been or what should have been, but rather focus on the present moment and the opportunities it presents. We find gratitude in the blessings we have been bestowed with, and we trust that Allah's plan is perfect, even if it may not align with our desires.

This contentment with Allah's decree does not imply passivity or complacency. Rather, it is a state of surrender and trust, coupled with active efforts to improve our circumstances and make a positive impact in the world. It is a recognition that while we have agency and responsibility, the ultimate outcome is in the hands of Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson of being content with Allah's decree. By accepting His divine plan with trust and gratitude, we find peace and tranquility in our lives. This contentment does not negate our efforts to improve our circumstances, but rather empowers us to navigate the challenges of life with resilience and a deep connection to our Creator. May we all strive to embody this wisdom and experience the pleasantness that comes with being pleased with Allah's decree.