Allah Most High says:

“By time,
indeed, mankind is in loss,
except those who believe, do righteous deeds, urge one another to the truth, and urge one another to patience.”

And He says:

“Remember Our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, men of strength and insight.”

Beneficial knowledge is the foundation of guidance, while acting upon the truth is right conduct. The opposite of the former is misguidance, and the opposite of the latter is waywardness. Misguidance is acting without knowledge, while waywardness is following one’s desires.

Allah Most High says:

“By the star when it descends,
your companion has neither strayed nor erred.”

Guidance can therefore be attained only through knowledge, and right conduct only through patience. For this reason, ‘Alī said:

“Indeed, patience is to faith what the head is to the body—when the head is cut off, the body is left without it.” Then he raised his voice and said: “Indeed, whoever has no patience has no faith.”

As for “contentment,” the scholars and spiritual masters among the followers of Imam Ahmad and others have differed over whether contentment with the divine decree is obligatory or recommended. There are two views: according to the first, it is among the deeds of those who take a middle course; according to the second, it is among the deeds of those brought near to Allah. ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azīz said: “Contentment is rare, but patience is the believer’s mainstay.”

It has been related that the Prophet, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, said to Ibn ‘Abbās:

“If you can act for Allah’s sake with contentment and certainty, then do so. But if you cannot, there is much good in patiently enduring what you dislike.”