Hadith #8784

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 Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

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

اِقْنَعْ بِما أُوتِيتَهُ، تَكُنْ مَكْفِيّاً۔

This can be translated as,

Be content with what you are given and you will be made sufficient.

This impactful Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of contentment and gratitude in our lives.

The word (iqrna) "اِقْنَعْ" in this Hadith means to be content or satisfied with what one has been given. It implies accepting and appreciating the blessings and provisions bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It encourages us to avoid greed, envy, and the constant desire for more, and instead find contentment in what we already possess.

To further understand the significance of contentment, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 172,

O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.

This verse reminds us to be grateful for the blessings we have been given and to recognize that they come from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) alone.

Another verse that supports the concept of contentment is found in Surah At-Talaq, Ayah 7, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

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

This verse reassures us that if we place our trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and are content with what He has given us, He will be sufficient for us in all aspects of our lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement carries profound wisdom and guidance for Muslims. By being content with what we have, we can find inner peace and satisfaction. Contentment allows us to focus on the blessings we already possess, rather than constantly chasing after worldly desires. It helps us develop a sense of gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and recognize His infinite wisdom and mercy.

When we are content, we are less likely to be consumed by materialistic pursuits and more likely to prioritize our spiritual growth and well-being. Contentment also protects us from falling into the traps of envy, greed, and dissatisfaction, which can lead to unhappiness and discontentment.

Moreover, being content with what we have does not mean we should not strive for improvement or betterment in our lives. It means being grateful for what we have while also working towards our goals and aspirations within the boundaries of Islam. Contentment should not be mistaken for complacency or laziness. Rather, it is a state of mind that allows us to appreciate the present moment and make the most of the blessings we have been given.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of contentment and gratitude in our lives. By being content with what we have, we can find inner peace, protect ourselves from negative emotions, and focus on our spiritual growth. Let us strive to cultivate contentment in our hearts and be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to embody the teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in our lives.