Hadith on contentment – The greatest gift

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Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (رضي الله عنه) reported:

Certain people from the Ansar asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and he gave them. Then they asked again, and he gave them until all that he had was exhausted. Then the Prophet ﷺ said: “Whatever wealth I have, I will not withhold from you. But whoever seeks to remain chaste, Allah will make him chaste; whoever seeks self-sufficiency, Allah will make him self-sufficient; and whoever remains patient, Allah will grant him patience. And no one is given a gift better and more comprehensive than patience.”

📚 Source:

Sahih al-Bukhari: Hadith 1469

Sahih Muslim: Hadith 1053


🌟 Commentary (Sharh):

  1. The Generosity of the Prophet ﷺ:

This hadith opens by showing the Prophet ﷺ’s unmatched generosity. He gave to the people until he had nothing left. This reflects not just personal generosity but a deep sense of leadership and responsibility.

  1. The Spiritual Lessons:

The Prophet ﷺ transitions from material giving to spiritual guidance, teaching the companions that real wealth is not in possessions but in character and reliance upon Allah.

Let’s break down the three core values he taught:


🔹 “Whoever seeks chastity (عفة), Allah will help him remain chaste.”

This means guarding oneself from begging, immorality, or disgraceful behavior.

The one who sincerely desires to preserve their honor and avoid unlawful means, Allah will assist and protect them.

It emphasizes dignity over desperation.


🔹 “Whoever seeks self-sufficiency (استغناء), Allah will enrich him.”

True richness is independence of the heart. It doesn’t necessarily mean money, but being content with what you have.

This discourages dependence on others and cultivates reliance on Allah (tawakkul).

Ibn Rajab says: “This refers to contentment, not necessarily possessing wealth.”

🔹 “Whoever remains patient (يتصبر), Allah will give him patience.”

Patience (صبر) is not passive suffering, but active endurance.

It is a gift from Allah, and through it a believer faces trials with strength.

It’s linked with all forms of worship: patience in obedience, avoiding sin, and enduring hardship.


🏆 “No one is given a gift better and more comprehensive than patience.”

Patience is the foundation of all virtues.

Ibn al-Qayyim said: “Patience is half of faith.”

It is a gift that helps you withstand every situation—whether it’s loss, poverty, or oppression—and continue moving toward Allah.


💡 Practical Takeaway:

This hadith is a guide for every believer who is struggling financially, emotionally, or spiritually:

Be content — Allah will enrich your heart.

Be modest — Allah will protect your dignity.

Be patient — it’s the most powerful tool in your journey of faith.


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