Adab al-Mufrad

Benefits and Issues:
➊ The entire focus of a human being’s effort and striving revolves around food, clothing, and shelter, and furthermore, that he should not be afflicted by any kind of fear. No person can eat two meals at the same time, wear more than one set of clothes at once, or sleep on more than one bed. This is the entirety of a human’s universe, yet he does not know what all he does and continues to turn away, even slightly, from the endless life (of the Hereafter), although to pass through those difficult stages, far more provisions are needed.

➋ When the basic necessities are fulfilled and a person is also safe from calamities and hardships, he should render thanks to Allah, because when one’s needs are met along with financial and physical well-being, then all the blessings of the world have been attained by that person. For even a very wealthy person uses only this much in a single day.

➌ The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) has taught the lesson of asceticism (zuhd) and contentment (qana‘ah): that if the basic need is fulfilled, a person should render thanks to Allah. There is no end to the pursuit of better and better, and nothing fills the belly of the son of Adam except the dust of the grave.