Hadith #11183

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the qualities of the God-wary, or the Muttaqeen. It describes their inner state and the manifestations of their piety in their behavior and demeanor. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this profound Hadith in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins by stating that the souls of the Muttaqeen are content or satisfied. The Arabic word used here is (قانِعَةٌ) "qanita", which implies a state of tranquility and acceptance. This contentment stems from their unwavering trust in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and their submission to His will. They are not consumed by worldly desires and material possessions, but rather find solace in their connection with Allah.

The Quran supports this concept of contentment in several verses. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152), Allah says,

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.

This verse reminds us to be grateful to Allah and to find contentment in His remembrance. Similarly, in Surah At-Talaq (65:3), Allah assures us that whoever fears Him, He will make a way out for them and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. This highlights the contentment and trust that the Muttaqeen have in Allah's provisions.

The Hadith then mentions that the lustful desires of the Muttaqeen are dead. The Arabic word used here is (مَيْتَةٌ) "maytah", which means dead or lifeless. This signifies that the Muttaqeen have overcome their base desires and have attained mastery over their nafs (lower self). They do not allow their desires to control their actions, but instead, they prioritize their spiritual growth and obedience to Allah.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of controlling one's desires in multiple verses. In Surah An-Nisa (4:29), Allah advises us not to follow our desires, as they can lead us astray. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13), Allah reminds us that the most honorable among us are those who have the most taqwa (God-consciousness). This implies that the Muttaqeen are those who have conquered their desires and aligned their actions with the commandments of Allah.

The Hadith also states that the faces of the Muttaqeen are cheerful, while their hearts are sad. This apparent contradiction can be understood in the context of their worldly experiences. The Muttaqeen may face hardships and trials in this life, but their inner contentment and trust in Allah bring them a sense of peace and serenity. Their cheerful faces reflect their unwavering faith, while their saddened hearts acknowledge the challenges and injustices they witness in the world.

The Quran acknowledges the existence of trials and tribulations in this world. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155), Allah says,

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse reminds us that trials are a part of life, and the Muttaqeen face them with patience and trust in Allah's wisdom.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides profound insights into the qualities of the Muttaqeen. They are content with what Allah has decreed for them, they have conquered their desires, and they maintain a cheerful demeanor despite the challenges they face. This Hadith aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of contentment, self-control, and trust in Allah. As Muslims, we should strive to embody these qualities and seek to attain the state of the Muttaqeen in our lives.