Islam is Knowledge and Action in Accordance with Knowledge: Otherwise, It is Nothing
In Islam, knowledge inherently implies action, and any knowledge that does not lead to action is incomplete. Therefore, the rank of ihsan (excellence) requires joyful surrender to the Guiding Will of Allah.
In practical, daily life, this means that a person performs their immediate duty with utmost precision and excellence. If the outcome aligns with their desires, they praise Allah. If the outcome differs from their desires, they [still] align their will with Allah’s Will, praise Him, and accept His Will, trusting in Him and prioritizing Him.
If they cannot achieve contentment, there is still great benefit in patience. In the absence of patience lies resentment, and every resentful person is tormented.
In this regard, there is a profound hadith qudsi (sacred saying): “O David! You desire, and I desire, but nothing happens except what I desire. If you surrender to what I desire, I will suffice you in what you desire. But if you do not surrender to what I desire, I will exhaust you in what you desire, and then nothing will occur except what I desire.” Patience with Allah’s Will is a level of ihsan at its beginning. Contentment with Allah’s Will, however, is a higher rank of ihsan.”
Allah said to His noble Prophet: “So be patient over what they say and exalt [Allah] with praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting, and during periods of the night exalt [Him] and at the end of the day, so that you may be satisfied.” (20: 130)
Here, Allah commands His Prophet to be patient with the Divine Will when it does not align with his wishes. He guides him to gratitude and instructs him to seek help in patience and gratitude through prayer. Finally, Allah promises contentment: “that you may be satisfied.”
Whoever gains Allah’s Satisfaction is enveloped in His Grace, showered with blessings, and immersed in the present moment - neither preoccupied with the future through wishful thinking nor burdened by the past with regret. Such a person is truly free, possessing absolute freedom.
