We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting
something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating
what we do have.
Example of Prophet Muhammed (saws) Life
This is indeed following the example of Prophet Muhammed (saws)and
the early Muslims. The story is told of the time Prophet Muhammed
(saws) saw his beloved daughter Fatima Zahra (sa)wearing a dress made
of camel hair. Although tears welled in his eyes at the sight, he is
reported to have told her, "Fatima, today endure the hardships and
poverty with patience so that you may acquire the comfort of Paradise
tomorrow on the Day of Judgment."
On another occasion, Umar bin Khattab saw the simple life of Prophet
Muhammed (saws) and said: O Messenger of Allah (SWT)! While kings
sleep in soft, feather beds, you are lying on a rough mat. You are the
Messenger of Allah (SWT) and thereby deserve more than any other
people to live an easy life. Prophet Muhammed (saws) was reported to
have replied: Do you not agree that the luxuries of the world should
be theirs but those of the Hereafterours? (Bukhari, Tafsir, 287;
Muslim, Talaq, 31) There can be no doubt that Prophet Muhammed (saws)
and our Imams - some of the greatest heroes of Islam - lived very
simple lives with contentment. Checkout the Food of Sher e Khuda, Imam
Ali ibn Abu Talib (as)
Practical Suggestions in Developing Contentment
The following are some principles that, if remembered, will help us
develop this type of contentment in our own lives.
*.As previously mentioned, we should look at the people who have less
than us, not those who have more.
*.When purchasing something, we should consider what we need, not how
glamorous or prestigious it is.
*.We should feel empathy for the poor and know that they have rights
on our excess money.
*.We should look at what we already have and be thankful to Allah (SWT).
Many people possess the material goods of the world and are not happy.
In fact, they are often the most miserable people. With everything
they have, they still feel they want more. This unfilled desire, along
with the constant nagging in their heart for more, makes them unhappy.
Those who have little but feel no need for more do not experience this
nagging in their heart. They can relax and find peace. Indeed, the
richest person is not the one who has the most, but the one who is
content with what he has.
Prophet Muhammed (saws) said, "Riches does not mean having a great
amount of property; real wealth is self-contentment." Sahih Bukhari
(Book 81, Chapter 15)
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