Gratefulness and Satisfaction

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) once asked his Companions: “What is your condition?” They (radi Allahu anhum) said: “We are believers.” He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) asked them: “What are the signs of your belief?” They (radi Allahu anhum) said: “We have patience; (1) express gratefulness in happiness and (2) remain satisfied with the decree of Allah.” He (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “By the Lord of the Kabah, you are believers.” [Ihya Ulum Id-Deen]

The sign of true belief is patience throughout life. This patience is expressed in two ways:
1. Gratitude when Allah gives what one desired to get, and
2. Satisfaction with Allah’s decree when He gives what one did not desire to get.

Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) revealed to Dawud (alaihis salam): “You wish and I also wish. What I wish comes to pass. If you remain satisfied with what I wish, I will give you what you wish. If you become dissatisfied with what I wish, I will be dissatisfied with what you wish. Thereafter it will not be otherwise than what I wish.” [Ihya Ulum Id-Deen] So surrender to Allah!