Man has always been ungrateful. No matter how much, he is always eyeing the possessions and blessings on others rather than his own. In fact most of the times he is sandwiched between envy and contentment. Let us define these two opposite poles and then share a very meaningful advice by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
Envy is a negative emotional response characterized by a feeling of discontent or resentment aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, achievements, or status. It often involves a desire to have what another person has, coupled with the wish that they would lose it.
Contentment is a state of inner peace and satisfaction with what one has, without constantly longing for more or feeling deprived. It involves being happy with Allah’s decree and finding joy in the present circumstances.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has always advised his companions and the would be followers to be always thankful and contended of what Allah has blessed them with, rather than envying the position and blessings of others and remaining uncontended all the time.
This Hadith is quoted in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Book 55 The Book of Zuhd and Softening of Hearts / كتاب الزهد والرقائق/ as Hadith number # 2963c as under:
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
Look at those who stand at a lower level than you but don't look at those who stand at a higher level than you, for that is better-suited that you do not disparage Allah's favors.
In the chain narrated by Abu Mu'awiya's he said: Upon you.
Arabic Text:
وَحَدَّثَنِي زُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا جَرِيرٌ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو كُرَيْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، - وَاللَّفْظُ لَهُ - حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، وَوَكِيعٌ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " انْظُرُوا إِلَى مَنْ أَسْفَلَ مِنْكُمْ وَلاَ تَنْظُرُوا إِلَى مَنْ هُوَ فَوْقَكُمْ فَهُوَ أَجْدَرُ أَنْ لاَ تَزْدَرُوا نِعْمَةَ اللَّهِ " . قَالَ أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ " عَلَيْكُمْ "
This hadith emphasizes the importance of maintaining gratitude and contentment by shifting one’s perspective. It teaches that by focusing on those who are less fortunate, we can better appreciate Allah’s blessings in our own lives, thereby avoiding ingratitude and discontent. This message aligns closely with the teachings of the Qur’an, which frequently instructs believers to practice gratitude and be mindful of Allah’s favors.
Key Points of the Hadith:
- Look at Those Less Fortunate: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) advises looking at those who are at a lower level than oneself in terms of worldly possessions, wealth, status, or health. This perspective helps one realize their own blessings and reduces the tendency to feel envious or dissatisfied.
- Avoid Comparing with Those More Fortunate: The hadith warns against constantly comparing oneself with those who have more. Such comparisons often lead to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and a lack of appreciation for what one already possesses.
- Promoting Gratitude: The primary aim of this advice is to nurture gratitude towards Allah. Recognizing one's own blessings in contrast to those who have less helps prevent disparaging Allah’s favors, thus fostering a positive and thankful attitude.
Explanation in Light of the Qur’an:
The guidance in this hadith reflects key teachings from the Qur’an, where Allah frequently calls upon believers to be grateful, avoid envy, and recognize His blessings. Here are some relevant verses:
- Gratitude as a Key Virtue: The Qur’an emphasizes gratitude as a fundamental quality that brings divine favor:
“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’” (Surah Ibrahim 14:7)
This verse underscores the importance of being grateful. The hadith’s advice to look at those less fortunate helps cultivate this gratitude, ensuring believers do not overlook the blessings they have.
- Avoiding Covetousness and Excessive Worldly Aspirations: The Qur’an cautions against yearning for the worldly gains of others:
“And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. But the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring.” (Surah Ta-Ha 20:131)
This verse echoes the hadith’s teaching by advising against longing for what others have. Worldly possessions are temporary tests, and focusing on them can distract believers from what truly matters—faith, contentment, and thankfulness.
- Contentment and Recognizing Allah’s Provision: Allah reminds believers to find contentment in His provision:
“So eat from what Allah has provided for you, [which is] lawful and good. And be grateful for the favor of Allah, if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.” (Surah An-Nahl 16:114)
The instruction to be grateful for what Allah provides aligns perfectly with the hadith’s message. Recognizing the sufficiency of one’s own blessings leads to a life of contentment and prevents ingratitude.
- Gratitude as a Protection Against Disparaging Allah’s Blessings: By appreciating what we have and not focusing on what others possess, we protect ourselves from belittling or being dissatisfied with Allah’s favors. The Qur’an says:
“And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful.” (Surah Ibrahim 14:34)
This verse reflects human nature’s tendency towards ingratitude, which the hadith aims to counteract by urging believers to appreciate their blessings.
In light of the above explanation, we conclude that this hadith teaches a profound lesson in contentment and gratitude, which is mirrored in the Qur’anic guidance. By focusing on those less fortunate, believers can develop a deeper appreciation for Allah’s favors, avoid the pitfalls of envy, and maintain a grateful heart. This perspective fosters a balanced, peaceful mindset, rooted in recognizing and valuing the countless blessings bestowed by Allah.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject
For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith
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