Question

Please provide an explanation for the following Hadith:

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is reported to have said: ‘When a person is content with a small measure of sustenance from Allah, Allah will be content with a small measure of deeds from him.’

(Shu’abul Iman, Hadith: 4265 and 9531)

 

Answer

This Hadith demonstrates the virtue of being satisfied, despite being blessed with seemingly less provisions from the side of Allah Ta’ala. Such a person would not complain about the amount of wealth he earns, nor would he complain about the seemingly poor conditions in which he resides. Rather, he would be completely content and satisfied to the extent that he would not even search for or even endeavor for other means of increasing his wealth.

It is with regards to such a person that Allah Ta’ala, as result of appreciating His servant’s satisfaction and appreciation, will in turn be satisfied and content with few extra voluntary (nafl) acts of worship. Allah Ta’ala will not reproach such an individual for lacking in voluntary deeds. Rather, the reward of whatever few extra voluntary actions which that servant has done would be multiplied and even result in a much greater reward (thawab) than what he normally would have been granted.

(Mirqat, Hadith: 5263 and Faydul Qadir, Hadith: 8705)

 

See the authenticity of the narration here

 

And Allah Ta’ala knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar,

Another way of understanding this is: that the quality of contentment and appreciation for whatever little one has, makes up for an abundance of other nafl deeds.