Hadith #4471

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure and noble family, and his righteous companions.

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

كُنْ راضياً تَكُنْ مَرضِيّاً۔

This can be translated as,

Be pleased [with Allah's decree] and He will be pleased with you.

This impactful saying emphasizes the importance of having contentment and satisfaction with the divine decree of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (radiyan) "راضياً" in the Hadith refers to being pleased, content, and satisfied. It implies accepting and embracing whatever Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) has decreed for us, whether it is a blessing or a trial. It is a state of inner peace and tranquility that comes from trusting in Allah's wisdom and believing that everything that happens is ultimately for our own good.

To understand the significance of being pleased with Allah's decree, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:216),

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 understanding may lead us to dislike or desire certain things, but Allah's knowledge is perfect and He knows what is truly beneficial for us. Therefore, being pleased with His decree is an expression of our trust in His wisdom and knowledge.

Another verse that supports the exegesis of this Hadith is found in Surah At-Tawbah (9:51), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 teaches us that whatever befalls us, whether it is a hardship or a blessing, is a result of Allah's decree. By accepting and being pleased with His decree, we acknowledge His role as our protector and place our trust in Him.

Being pleased with Allah's decree does not mean that we should passively accept any injustice or wrongdoing. Islam encourages us to strive for justice and righteousness. However, it means that even in the face of adversity, we maintain a positive attitude and trust in Allah's plan. This attitude enables us to face challenges with resilience and seek solutions while relying on Allah's guidance and support.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, emphasized the importance of being pleased with Allah's decree. He understood that true contentment lies in aligning our will with the will of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). By doing so, we attain a state of inner peace and harmony, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.

When we adopt the mindset of being pleased with Allah's decree, it has profound consequences in our lives. Firstly, it strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) as we acknowledge His sovereignty and wisdom. Secondly, it helps us develop resilience and patience during times of difficulty, knowing that Allah's plan is perfect. Thirdly, it frees us from the shackles of worldly desires and attachments, allowing us to focus on our spiritual growth and the pursuit of righteousness.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the story of Prophet Job (Ayub) (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Despite enduring immense suffering and loss, he remained patient and pleased with Allah's decree. In the end, Allah rewarded him with even greater blessings, restoring his health, wealth, and family. This exemplifies the divine promise that when we are pleased with Allah, He reciprocates that pleasure and bestows His mercy upon us.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson of being pleased with Allah's decree. It encourages us to embrace the divine plan with contentment and trust, knowing that Allah's wisdom surpasses our limited understanding. By adopting this mindset, we strengthen our relationship with Allah, develop resilience, and attain inner peace. May Allah grant us the ability to be pleased with His decree and may He be pleased with us.