A Cup of Contentment

Preface

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu!

In Arabic, (السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته) means "May the Peace, Mercy, and Blessings of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) be upon you,"

Poems are an eloquent way of expressing emotions and conveying messages. Each line and verse has a story to tell. Every piece of writing is an insight into the author's mind and experiences. Of all the many things I could have been writing, I chose to write this, and you chose to pick this book up and read it. Alhamdulillah. Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) knew that this book would benefit both you and me. I ask Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) to strengthen us, guide us to the straight path, and keep us steadfast on it - Ameen.

This book is full of reminders that give us contentment. Contentment is a big word; to me, it means happiness and satisfaction joined into one word. Happiness is attained when we are satisfied. We are satisfied when we know that Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) is with us, and He (سبحانه وتعالى) provides wealth and food for us, and He (سبحانه وتعالى) is our Sustainer, and Nurturer - our Rabb! As Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) says in the 28th Ayah of Surat-ur-Ra'd:

"those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort,"

Surely, in the remembrance of Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) hearts find ease, comfort, satisfaction, solace, and tranquillity!

We find satisfaction when we remember Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). He (سبحانه وتعالى) is the One, All-Hearing, All-Seeing, All-Knowing, All-Aware, The Owner, The King, The Unique, The Nurturer, The Creator, The Most Merciful, The Most Forgiving. The One Who doesn't need sleep, food, or rest! He (سبحانه وتعالى) is Self-Sufficient! He (سبحانه وتعالى) needs no one! But, we need Him (سبحانه وتعالى).

Subhan Allah - and to attain satisfaction, we must learn and most importantly understand the Quran, and His beautiful names and implement them in our lives.

We are in different parts of our own journeys, so we shouldn't compare ourselves with the ones around us. Instead, we should look back on who we were and whom we have become. We all fall into sin. We are human after all. Once we understand our mistake, we must do our best to never repeat it again. The best of sinners, reported in a Hadith, is:

Anas (رضي الله عنه) reported God's messenger as saying, "All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who are given to repentance." - Mishkat al-Masabih 2341

We shouldn't give up hope, as Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) is Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful) and Ar-Raheem (The Especially Merciful):

Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins (For those who repent and correct themselves). Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful. - Surat-uz-Zumar, Ayah 53

I hope the language is simple, the messages are conveyed, and you receive contentment - In Sha Allah.

I'd like to end with an Ayah from the Quran:

"Say, 'If I am astray, the loss is only mine. And if I am guided, it is ˹only˺ because of what my Lord reveals to me. He is indeed All-Hearing, Ever Near.'"

Surat-us-Saba', Ayah 50

I hope you enjoy the book and benefit from it, In Sha Allah.

Jazakumullahu Khairan Katheeran! Barak Allahu Feekum.