Try To Seek Contentment

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said "Richness does not mean having a great amount of property, but richness is self-contentment "

[Bukhari]

Explanation : We instinctively measure richness in terms of "possessions". We envy the rich and wealthy based on their possessions. However, richness or poverty is actually a state of mind, an attitude. A very rich person , in the ordinary sense could feel himself very poor because he does not have enough . In contrast, a "not so well-to-do " person may feel rich because of self-contentment.

However this narration makes neither richness nor poverty a worldly pursuit. If we live in poverty, we ought to strive toward rectifying the conditions in light of Allah's practical divine guidance . If we are wealthy, we should be careful about what we have acquired and how, and furthermore, whether those possessions are helping us to seek pleasure or displeasure of Allah.

If Allah has blessed us with resources, we do not have to be ashamed , but we should be conscious of our responsibilities and try to seek contentment. We should also not despise ourselves if we are poor . Instead , we should make honest effort in His path to improve our situation.