Are you a content Muslim?
When I was younger, my siblings and friends would describe our days and moods as either ‘Eeyore’ or ‘Tigger days,’ depending on how content and happy we were. It was seen as a joke at first, but as we got older, we realized that we were able to change our moods and days accordingly by changing our mindset.
By deciding to be content and happy with what we have been dealt, my friends and I were able to evolve from the miserable pessimistic Eeyore into the energetic and seemingly forever happy and content Tigger.
After many years I personally have come to learn that the mindset of waiting for happiness is a never-ending cycle. I once read, “Happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” I must admit I felt it was deep.
Change Your Mindset
I learned that with happiness the difference was not in the external circumstances, but in my mindset. It was necessary I appreciate what I had, instead of focusing on the things I did not have or did not like. I realized it was about time I became grateful. So, I began to be grateful for my health, for the people in my life, for having food and being alive.
By developing the right mindset, we can be happy without changing anything else. We do not need to wait until we have changed everything and made our life perfect.
Why? Because we have everything we need to be happy right now.
In short, we need to learn how to be content. After all, they say one is content because he is happy; one is happy because he is content.
Prophet’s Intake
In Islam, we have been taught a good rule to attain contentment. A good method is to always look at the people who have less than us, not the ones who have more.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing upon him) teaches us that:
“Richness is not an abundance of worldly goods. Rather, richness is contentment with one’s lot.” (Bukhari)
So contrary to belief, wealth is not defined through material quantity but through want. A person who does not feel needy towards something or someone in this world is wealthy, regardless of how much he possesses in material.
You’re the Boss, Take Control
Without doubt, life has its ups and downs, and it is completely normal not to feel happy or content all the time. Remember we are only human; we are not perfect. Recognize that it is acceptable to feel mixed emotions throughout our life. As long as we learn not to let these negative emotions consume us and our life.
It is important, though, that we take control of our attitude. Our happiness should not rely on the acquiring of any possession. It should be based solely on our decision to be happy.
We should be content with what we have, but never with what we are.
By no means am I suggesting that you should stop learning, growing, or discovering. We should not become so content that we cannot find room for improvement. Contentment is not the same as complacency. As soon as we stop growing, we start dying.
With contentment, it is possible to feel fulfilled inside yet have outer struggle at the same time. That is because contentment celebrates the good in our life while working through the bad. Whereas happiness may come and go, being content is something we can continually work towards.
Content Muslim
The mindset of waiting for happiness is a never-ending cycle.
A Muslim can easily fight and overcome discontent while being happy. This can be done by reading the Quran and making Islam a part of our daily lives.
Abdullah bin Amr narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said:
“He has succeeded who accepts Islam, and is provided with what is sufficient and is made content by Allah.” (Tirmidhi)
Taking time to reflect, and making conscious steps to make your life happier, really does work.
Giving thanks to Allah for everything is one of the most important characteristics of a content believer. We know everything is created by Allah and we always give thanks to Him for all that he has bestowed upon is,for all the things we have, including material and spiritual.
Allah states that He will increase His blessings on those who are grateful. This is clearly illustrated in the verse:
{If you are grateful, I will certainly give you increase, but if you are ungrateful, My punishment is severe.} (Ibrahim 14:7)
Being grateful and content is a sign of being a true believer who loves Allah. By being content, we have the insight and capability to see the beauties and blessings that He creates.
If this habit is developed then we will be more content. Moreover, this gratitude will lay the foundation for further happiness and joy.
Less May Actually be More
Sometimes Allah takes things away from us to remind us that this world is temporary and everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him. Sometimes the blessings are not in what He gives but rather in what He takes.
We should always look at what we already have and be thankful. As previously mentioned, we should look at the people who have less than us, not those who have more. Moreover, we should feel empathy for those people and know that they have rights on our excess money. Once we have mastered this, we are well on the road to lasting contentedness.
In conclusion, know well that being content in itself is a blessing. It is a treasure that will never be depleted.
So next time you want more remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for. Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not.