Ridhah

Ridhah, also transliterated as Ridha or Riḍā, is an Arabic term meaning contentment or satisfaction, particularly with God’s will. The word derives from a Arabic root related to pleasing or being pleased, and in Islamic usage it denotes a tranquil acceptance of divine decree and a state of inner peace.

In religious and philosophical contexts, ridah is regarded as a key spiritual virtue. It is connected to trust in God (tawakkul), patience, gratitude, and a willingness to relinquish excessive attachment to control over outcomes. The concept is discussed in Qur’anic exegesis and Hadith literature as a path toward closeness to God and serenity of the heart, and it is a recurring theme in Sufi thought as part of attaining spiritual maturity.

Ridhah is also used as a given name in Muslim communities. In transliteration, it can appear as Ridha, Rida, Riḍā, or Ridhah. It is commonly used for girls in many Arabic-speaking regions as well as in South Asia and among diaspora communities, carrying the meaning of “contentment” or “pleasure.” The name may be chosen to reflect a hoped-for disposition or spiritual aspiration.

Distinctions: Related terms include Ridwan, which means “pleasure” or “delight” and is the name of the angel who guards Paradise in Islamic tradition. While ridah refers to the state of contentment itself, Ridwan is a personified form associated with divine pleasure.