to be content. True contentment comes only after the decree. If this is merely a resolve to be content, then that resolve may endure or may dissolve. How often people’s resolves dissolve, especially those of the Sufis! Hence, one of them was asked, “How did you come to know Allah?” He replied, “Through the breaking of resolves and the undoing of aspirations.”

Allah Most High said to those superior to these shaykhs:

“You certainly wished for death before you encountered it. Now you have seen it with your own eyes.”
Surah Āl ‘Imrān, 143

And Allah Most High said:

“O you who believe, why do you say what you do not do? It is most hateful to Allah that you say what you do not do. Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in ranks as though they were a solidly joined structure.”
Surah al-Saff, 42

Al-Tirmidhī relates that some of the Companions said to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), “If we knew which deed was most beloved to Allah, we would do it.” Allah then revealed this verse.