CONTENTMENT AND CONSENT

To be content with one's present state means to thank and praise Allahu ta'ala. Not envying anyone who is higher in rank, richer, more beautiful or more powerful, and simply being satisfied with one's state brings great peace to the heart. And more than this, such a person is the beloved of Allahu ta'ala. The reason for his being the beloved is due to his being pleased and content with what Allahu ta'ala has given him. Hence, Allahu ta'ala is content with him. Contentment is an inexhaustible treasure. A discontented rich man is lower than a contented poor man. This is because this rich man's heart is not at peace. On the contrary, since the poor man's heart is at peace, he will live as if he possesses a treasure. Contentment means to be satisfied with everything coming from Allahu ta'ala. One must be content even if a disaster comes from Allahu ta'ala; one must never complain to anybody. But not all people will be able to do this. Those who can are indeed great because this would mean that they have the patience and endurance which is particular to prophets 'alaihissalam'. The more a person believes in Allahu ta'ala's greatness, the greater will be the person's level of patience and endurance. It is a virtue that should be envied without malice.