Hadith #5811

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the virtues of silence and contentment. Let us delve into the exegesis of this profound saying, exploring its meanings and implications in light of the Quran.

The first important word in this Hadith is (silence) "السُّكُوتَ", which refers to refraining from excessive speech and unnecessary talk. The Quran encourages believers to speak only that which is good and beneficial, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:199):

Take what is given freely, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.

This verse highlights the importance of restraining our tongues and avoiding idle chatter.

The second key word is (contentment) "القَناعَةِ", which implies being satisfied and grateful for the provisions that Allah has bestowed upon us. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of contentment, as Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:172):

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 content with what Allah has given us and to express gratitude for His blessings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advises us to be patient with contentment for the little provision that we have. This means that we should not be consumed by the desire for more wealth and material possessions. Instead, we should be patient and content with what Allah has decreed for us, recognizing that true success lies in the contentment of the heart rather than the accumulation of worldly possessions.

By embracing silence and contentment, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) assures us that we will become great in both our worldly life and the Hereafter. This greatness does not refer to material wealth or worldly power, but rather to the elevation of the soul and the attainment of spiritual excellence.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises those who are patient and content with great rewards. In Surah Al-Rad (13:28), Allah says:

Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.

This verse highlights the tranquility and contentment that comes from remembering Allah and having faith in Him.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qasas (28:80), Allah says:

And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].

This verse emphasizes the importance of prayer and charity, which are acts of worship that cultivate contentment and humility within the heart.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) advice to embrace silence and contentment serves as a reminder for us to focus on our spiritual growth and the development of our character. By restraining our tongues and being content with what Allah has provided, we can attain inner peace and tranquility. This inner peace will not only benefit us in this world but will also lead to a greater reward in the Hereafter.

Let us reflect on the wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and strive to implement his teachings in our lives. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to embrace silence, cultivate contentment, and attain success in both this world and the Hereafter.