بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Imagine: you’re scrolling through social media, bombarded with perfectly curated feeds of luxurious vacations, designer outfits, and picture-perfect lives. A familiar pang of envy tugs at your heart. “Why can’t I have that?” you whisper, the comparison game playing its insidious tune.

But what if there was a secret weapon against this age-old struggle? A hidden gem nestled within the heart of Islam that offers refuge from the relentless claws of envy and discontent?

Enter qana’ah.

This Arabic word, often translated as “contentment” or “satisfaction,” transcends mere acceptance. It’s a deep-rooted understanding that true happiness and fulfillment lie not in chasing fleeting desires, but in finding peace with what we have, trusting in Allah’s divine plan.

In a world obsessed with comparisons and the relentless pursuit of “more,” qana’ah is a revolutionary concept. It’s a potent antidote to the ever-present whispers of envy, urging us to shift our gaze from the gilded facades of others’ lives to the beauty and blessings already woven into our own.

Think of it as a sturdy shield against the arrows of societal pressure and unrealistic expectations. Cultivating qana’ah creates a garden of gratitude, appreciating the unique gifts bestowed upon us and recognizing that each individual’s journey is divinely ordained.

This blog post, dear reader, is an invitation to explore the transformative power of qana’ah. It’s a journey not of deprivation, but of inner discovery, where we learn to find joy in the simple things, to celebrate our own individuality, and to trust that true contentment lies not in what we possess, but in the peace we cultivate within.

Get ready to embark on a path less traveled, a path where comparisons dim and qana’ah shines bright. The journey starts now.

Hadith Relating to Qana’ah

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، وَقُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، قَالَ قُتَيْبَةُ حَدَّثَنَا وَقَالَ، يَحْيَى أَخْبَرَنَا الْمُغِيرَةُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ الْحِزَامِيُّ، عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ إِذَا نَظَرَ أَحَدُكُمْ إِلَى مَنْ فُضِّلَ عَلَيْهِ فِي الْمَالِ وَالْخَلْقِ فَلْيَنْظُرْ إِلَى مَنْ هُوَ أَسْفَلَ مِنْهُ مِمَّنْ فُضِّلَ عَلَيْهِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

When one of you looks at one who stands at a higher level than you in regard to wealth and physical structure he should also see one who stands at a lower level than you in regard to these things (in which he stands) at a higher level (as compared to him).

Source: Sahih Muslim 2963a
Narrated by: Abu Hurairah (RA)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) advises us to look at both ways when we stumble upon people who have been granted more than what we currently have. This in return shall soothe our yearning for more as we reflect upon the abundance that we have when compared to people who have less.

Working hard to achieve material wealth is not wrong, but being jealous of those who have been granted more is not good for the heart.

Quranic Verse Relating To Qana’ah

In Surah Ibrahim verse 34, Allah S.W.T stated that human kind is rarely grateful for the blessings that has been showered upon them:

And He has granted you all that you asked Him for. If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you would never be able to number them. Indeed humankind is truly unfair, ˹totally˺ ungrateful.

Lets reform ourselves and start counting those blessings and may Allah place us with those who are grateful to Him.

How to Cultivate Qana’ah In Our Daily Lives

Planting the Seeds of Gratitude: Begin by nourishing your heart with daily doses of appreciation. Acknowledge the simple joys, the warm cup of coffee that kickstarts your day, the laughter shared with loved ones.

Keep a gratitude journal, a sanctuary for your blessings, big and small. Express your thankfulness openly, a whispered “Jazakallahu khairan” to the barista, a heartfelt hug to your parents. With each act of gratitude, you sow the seeds of qana’ah, a garden where contentment can flourish.

Watering the Soil of Acceptance: Challenge the illusions woven by social media’s highlight reels. Remember, curated feeds are not reality, they are carefully constructed narratives.

Everyone faces their own struggles, just with different filters. Instead of comparing yourself to fleeting glimpses, turn inwards, celebrate your own growth, your personal Everest conquered. Focus on the unique path Allah has paved for you, a path filled with its own blessings, waiting to be discovered.

Strengthening the Roots of Trust: In moments of doubt, remember that Allah’s plan, though sometimes veiled, is always perfect. His wisdom surpasses our understanding, and His grace sustains us through every hardship.

Deepen your connection through heartfelt prayers, whisper your gratitude, seek guidance in your supplications. Engage in acts of service, reminding yourself of your own blessings while alleviating the burdens of others. With each step of faith, the roots of qana’ah burrow deeper into your heart, anchoring it in a bedrock of trust and serenity.

A Short Lecture About Qana’ah Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin

Closing With Contentment: A World Beyond Envy’s Grasp

As we conclude this exploration of qana’ah, the secret weapon against envy, a profound truth resonates: true contentment lies not in acquiring more, but in appreciating what we already have. In cultivating our garden of gratitude, watering it with acceptance, and strengthening its roots with trust, we create a fortress against the arrows of envy and dissatisfaction.

Remember, that the world’s whispers of “more” are hollow promises. They offer fleeting highs followed by deeper lows, an endless cycle of seeking that leaves us perpetually unfulfilled. But qana’ah offers a different path, a path lined with fragrant gratitude, shaded by acceptance, and illuminated by divine trust.

On this path, the beauty of a sunrise transcends any luxury car, the laughter of loved ones drowns out the siren song of social media, and the simple act of giving becomes a treasure more precious than any worldly possession.

So, let go of the comparison game. Release the tight grip on desires that never truly satisfy. Embrace the gifts already nestled within your life, and nurture the seeds of qana’ah. Watch as they blossom into a life free from envy’s grasp, a life rich in contentment, serenity, and lasting joy.

This is the true victory. This is the world beyond envy, a world where qana’ah reigns supreme. May we all walk this path together, hearts overflowing with gratitude, minds accepting of our unique journeys, and souls anchored in unshakeable trust.

The journey starts now, not with a bang, but with a quiet whisper of contentment. Go forth, cultivate your garden of qana’ah, and witness the blooming of a life truly blessed.