Introducing Islam a Simple Introduction to Islam
Thankfulness
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THANKFULNESS
Man is never satisfied with what he has; he always
seeks more. As a result, he never ceases to be
discontented. God has favoured everyone in some
way or another, but man is more concerned with
what he does not have; he pays scant regard to
what he has. People who have this attitude cannot
be moved to offer thanks to God. They are lacking
in that priceless virtue which is essential for
admission into paradise.
No one can be absolutely happy on earth. That is
the way the world has been made. If cold climates
have their drawbacks, so do hot climates. If low-
income groups encounter difficulties, so do high-
income groups. If the weak have a hard life, neither
is it easy for those who wield power. There is no
end to the problems of this world, but man should
persevere in spite of all the difficulties he
encounters, for he is being tested in this world. He
should concentrate on earning God’s pleasure, and
not on achieving a trouble-free life, for that is
something which can only be achieved in the next
world.