Contentment – Secret of happiness, success & a sign of wealth.

Have we ever be contented with what Allah(swt) has blessed us with , its human nature to always want more than what we have be it – grades, house, car, gadgets,clothes, jewellery , a higher position in society, more riches, even kids these days want more than what the parent can offord or its soemtimes the other way round also as parents want their kids be accessible to the best possible.

A drive to achieve things is very important in life till it doesn’t become the reason for one to run behind more riches, status , fame , position & succumb to greed .The Prophet advised his Ummah (nation) to have contentment when he said: “If you are content with what Allah has given you, you will be the richest person.”

When a person is not contended with what he has he will never be satisfied with how much ever he has, he will be driven to satisfy his needs but he will never find peace and happiness in his earnings. Which might lead to anxiety and other mental health issues.The 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) . This is something that we do to ourselves when are passing through life we always look up to those who have more than us its human tendency to do so , but for a change if we look at those who have lesser than us and say Alhamdulillah – all thanks to Allah for whatever we have the prespective of life will change . Reported by Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah said:” Look at those who are lower than you, and don’t look at those who are higher than you, so that you will not disgrace the blessings of Allah on you.” 

As a young parents I often wonder, how are going to teach our son to be contented with what Allah (swt ) has blessed him with , it’s a very difficut task for us as parents to do so, but we try our best to make him understand. We as parents assume that the child will not undertand, so let’s give in for their tantrums but trust me you will be surprised to see how maturely they can take up the whole concpet of not getting or having something that the other person possess and be happy with the available alternate provided.

How do we teach “contentment the real wealth” to our kids is first by being contented ourselves, children learn from their parents they play the major role in there life until they join a full time school. We as parents can first show them by the concept of limitation- set limits for everything like buying toys, clothes, screen time, pocket money, outing and anything that the parent feels is going off limits. The parent should show the kid that they themselve have limited many resources and yet they are happy and contented. Concept of being grateful – we should teach our kids to be grateful and thankful for how their day had passed, discuss it during the dinner time appreciate for whatever good deed they have done. My husband and I personally appreciate the minimalist effort put in by our son in daily chores and we also make it a point he thanks Allah (Swt) for the blessed day he had. Celeberate every small win – as a family how often do we celebrate the “DAY”- dress up , order food , set the table up, light the candles, take pictures , play games, enjoy and cherish every moment you will make a lot of lovely memories for your children to remember and you wil be giving the a contented childhood. Concept of sharing ,caring and giving – Nowadays I see many of my friend’s kids are unabel to understand sharing with friends as parents tend to provide everything in their own home. I remember as kids we used to go and play in our cousins or neighbours house we always use to share our toys I migh tnot have everything in my house so we used to exchange and borrow from each other. We shoul not povide our kids with everythign that they see in their friends or cousins house it’s ok let them go and ask them to use it and we should also teach our child to share their things with their cousins an friends. Always teach them to smile, care for and respect others. The Prophet said: “Your smile for your brother is a charity. Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is a charity. Your guidance of a person who is lost is a charity.” (Bukhari).

So brothers and sisters with just two weeks for the Ramadan its time to teach our future generation the real meaning of wealth the Prophet gave us glad tidings as he said: “Successful is the person who adopted Islam, has been provided with what is just sufficient for his needs, and been made content by Allah with what He has given him.” 

Allah (swt) says in Quran “Your wealth and your children are but a trial, and Allah has with Him a great reward.”  ( Surah At-Taghabun, 64: 15). Let’s say Alhamdulillah for how blessed we are and walk towards the journey of becomign a true believer.

Arabic words

Alqhanatu, Ridaa – Contentment

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Stay blessed.