Hadith #4451

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, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "لا إسْلامَ كَالرِّضا۔" This can be translated as,

There is no submission like satisfaction [with what has been decreed].

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of contentment and acceptance of Allah's decree in the life of a Muslim.

To understand the depth of this statement, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (Islam) "إسْلامَ" refers to the act of submission and surrendering oneself to the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encompasses not only the outward acts of worship but also the inner state of the heart. The word (rida) "رِّضا۔" means satisfaction, contentment, and acceptance. It signifies being pleased with what Allah has ordained, regardless of whether it aligns with our desires or not.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of contentment and acceptance in several verses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216), Allah says,

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 understanding may lead us to dislike something that is ultimately beneficial for us, and vice versa. Therefore, true submission lies in accepting Allah's wisdom and trusting His divine plan.

Another verse that supports the concept of contentment is found in Surah At-Tawbah (9:51), where Allah says,

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 encourages believers to have unwavering trust in Allah's decree and to rely solely on Him. It reminds us that whatever befalls us is ultimately from Allah, and our duty is to accept it with contentment and seek His guidance in navigating through it.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound level of submission that can be attained through contentment and acceptance of Allah's decree. It signifies a state of complete trust in Allah's wisdom and a recognition that His plans are perfect, even if they may not align with our desires or expectations. This level of submission requires a deep understanding of Allah's attributes, His knowledge, and His infinite wisdom.

When we embrace this mindset of contentment and acceptance, we are able to face the challenges and trials of life with grace and resilience. We understand that every difficulty has a purpose and that Allah's plan is always for our ultimate benefit. This attitude also helps us cultivate gratitude for the blessings we have been bestowed with, as we recognize that they are all from Allah's infinite mercy.

Moreover, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that true submission is not merely limited to the performance of rituals, but it encompasses every aspect of our lives. It is a state of the heart that permeates our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. When we embody this level of submission, we become true ambassadors of Islam, reflecting the beauty and tranquility that comes from complete trust in Allah's decree.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that there is no submission like the satisfaction and acceptance of Allah's decree. It emphasizes the importance of contentment and trust in Allah's wisdom, even when faced with challenges and difficulties. By embodying this mindset, we can attain a profound level of submission and experience the tranquility and peace that comes from aligning our will with the will of Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to embrace this level of submission and find solace in His decree.