Hadith #8817

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 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:

عَلَيْكَ بِالقُنُوعِ فَلاشَيْءَ أدْفَعُ لِلْفاقَةِ مِنْهُ۔

This can be translated as:

You must have contentment, for indeed there is nothing that wards off poverty more than it.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. (qunoo'i) "قُنُوعِ" refers to contentment or satisfaction with what one possesses, without the desire for excessive material wealth. It is the state of being pleased and grateful with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has bestowed upon us, and not constantly seeking more.

The Hadith emphasizes the importance of contentment as a means to ward off poverty. Poverty here refers not only to financial poverty, but also to a state of lacking fulfillment and satisfaction in life. It highlights that contentment is a powerful shield against the hardships and difficulties that poverty brings.

To further understand the significance of contentment, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286):

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) knows our capabilities and provides us with what is best for us. Contentment allows us to trust in Allah's wisdom and accept His decree, knowing that He has given us what is suitable for our individual circumstances.

Additionally, in Surah At-Talaq (65:3), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says:

And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him.

This verse emphasizes the importance of relying on Allah and being content with what He has provided. When we have faith in Allah's provisions and rely on Him, we find peace and tranquility, regardless of our material possessions.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to adopt contentment as a way of life. By being content, we are able to appreciate the blessings we have been given, rather than constantly yearning for more. This mindset not only protects us from the pitfalls of greed and materialism, but also helps us to focus on the true purpose of our existence - seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Contentment also has practical implications in our daily lives. It allows us to live within our means and avoid unnecessary debt or financial burdens. It promotes gratitude and humility, as we acknowledge that everything we have is a blessing from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Moreover, contentment fosters a sense of inner peace and happiness, as we are not constantly chasing after worldly desires that can never truly fulfill us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of contentment in our lives. It serves as a powerful tool to ward off poverty, both material and spiritual. By being content with what Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has provided us, we find peace, gratitude, and protection from the negative consequences of greed and materialism. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to cultivate contentment in our hearts and lives.