Wisdom on Contentment
- Contentment is a significant key to happiness; it stands as the strongest foundation for achieving true joy.
- It is perplexing how some individuals advise others to practice contentment while they themselves lack it.
- The truly happy person is one who accepts their reality and seeks sources of contentment in all circumstances.
- The adornment of the wealthy is generosity, while for the poor, it is contentment.
- Contentment is superior to wealth.
- Western culture symbolizes ambition, while Eastern culture represents contentment.
- Many wanderers search for happiness while overlooking the virtue of contentment.
- Once, we referred to contentment as the richness of the soul, where a person feels wealthy not by possessions but by self-worth derived from their essence.
- Contentment and envy never coexist; similarly, greed and envy are inseparable.
- If nature adhered to our teachings on contentment, no river would flow into the sea, nor would winter transform into spring.
- Contentment is the philosopher’s stone that turns everything it touches into gold.
- If you seek honor, pursue it through obedience; if you desire wealth, seek it through contentment, for those who obey God find support, and those who embrace contentment can overcome poverty.
- A servant is free if they are content, while a free person becomes a slave to their greed.
- Contentment is preferable to supplication; moderation is better than degradation, and fleeing is wiser than siege.
- It signifies being satisfied with what one has and relinquishing the desire for what is lost.
- When it comes to pleasures, contentment serves merely as a means to an end.
- Those who do not appreciate the little will never be satisfied with anything.
- Contentment does not contradict ambition; rather, it defines the limits of what is attainable through ambition.
- Happiness is having the minimum of anything; this is the maximum of contentment.
- A person can find sufficiency in little, but never in nothing.
- A small fire warms better than a great fire that burns.
- A small nest provides more warmth than a larger one.
- Buy only what you absolutely need, not what you desire.
- Contentment allows its possessor ample time to enjoy life.
- It represents a certain lack of curiosity.
- Contentment does not oppose ambition; it merely sets boundaries for what is possible.
- One who is content is satisfied with their livelihood, whereas the greedy remain discontent even when affluent.
- As long as I have ambition, I have a reason to live; contentment equates to stagnation.
- I have witnessed that contentment is the essence of wealth; thus, I clung to its tails. I became rich without a dirham, walking among people akin to royalty.
- He who is content will be fulfilled.
Reflections on Acceptance
- Those venturing into the unknown must embrace the solitude of adventure.
- The secret to acceptance lies in understanding that life is a gift, not an entitlement.
- There exists a colorful tranquility and a safeguard for those who dwell within the realm of high acceptance.
- Contentment grants its holder the much-needed time to savor life.
- To be content with little is challenging, and to be content with much is nearly impossible; thus, cultivate contentment with the smallest things.
- The fortunate person is one who reconciles with their reality and searches for paths to satisfaction and contentment wherever possible.
- The essence of acceptance is the realization that life is a gift, not a right.
- Acceptance is the gateway to God’s greatest blessings, the paradise of this world, and the garden of the knowledgeable.
- He who is satisfied with what is destined will find contentment in what is attainable.
- Those unwilling to settle for little will never be satisfied.
Quotes from Thinkers and Philosophers on Contentment
- He who trades greed for contentment gains wealth and prosperity.
- An Arab once asked the people of Basra who their leader was. They replied, “Al-Hasan.” He then inquired why he led them, to which they said he was sought after for his knowledge while he remained above their worldly concerns.
- Seek dignity through obedience, and if you desire wealth, pursue it through contentment. He who obeys God will find support, and those who value contentment will diminish their poverty.
- Acceptance of one’s means leads to chastity.
- Contentment is the pride of the needy, while charity offers protection to the affluent.
- He who is satisfied with what is available will find satisfaction in the easy.
- Someone may gain wealth, but ask whether they have gained days to spend it. Who possesses such time? Therefore, it seems they have gained nothing.
- Make contentment your asset, and do not rush for fruit not yet ripe, for you shall attain it in its time, sweetened. The one who directs you knows the best time for what you seek, so trust in their guidance in all your matters.
- We sought four things and stumbled in our ways: we sought wealth in money, but it lies in contentment; we sought comfort in abundance, yet it is found in simplicity; we sought honor in character, but it is found in piety; and we searched for blessings in food and clothing, yet they are in modesty and faith.
- Anything beyond sufficiency is excess.
Poems on Contentment
Poem: I Have Seen that Contentment is the Essence of Wealth
I have seen that contentment is the essence of wealth,
And I have clung to its foundation.
Neither does this one see me at their door,
Nor does that one see me engrossed with them.
Thus, I became rich with no coins,
Passing through people like royalty.
Poem: Contentment in This World is Honor
Contentment in this world is true honor,
While extravagance is viewed as wasteful.
It is reflecting upon the Quran, a text of wisdom,
And recognizing the teachings of the Messenger of God.
Make your sustenance from barley bread, and if you must,
Draw from water, though it may not be pure.
A woolen cloth is your lifelong garment,
In fellowship or with companions you resonate.
Remain steadfast in love, forsake others,
And if you do not cry, act as though you weep.
The honor of nobility belongs to those who yield,
For they find themselves closer to the divine.
My praise towards your greatness spans the palaces,
For I am grateful amidst these blessings.
Poem: The Contentment of a Person Lies in What They Have
The contentment of a person lies in what they possess,
A kingdom unlike any other.
So be satisfied with what comes freely, and do not,
Throw yourselves into destruction willingly.