is what He brings into being, he thereby departs from the point of the discussion. For the discussion is not about contentment with the attributes and acts that subsist in the essence of the Lord Most High, but about contentment with what He brings into being. We have explained the related matters elsewhere.

Although contentment is an action of the heart, it finds its fullest expression in praise. Indeed, some have explained praise in terms of contentment. Hence the Quran and Sunnah teach praising Allah in every circumstance, for this entails contentment with His decree.

The hadith states:

“The first to be called to Paradise will be those who constantly praise Allah, praising Him in prosperity and adversity.”

It is reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,

“would say when something pleasing came to him, ‘Praise be to Allah, through whose grace good deeds are brought to completion.’ When something displeasing came to him, he would say, ‘Praise be to Allah in every circumstance.’”

Imām Ahmad’s Musnad records from Abū Mūsā al-Ash'arī that the Prophet said:

“When a servant’s child is taken in death, Allah says to His angels, ‘Have you taken the soul of My servant’s child?’ They reply, ‘Yes.’ He says, ‘Have you taken his heart’s delight?’ They reply, ‘Yes.’ He says, ‘What did My servant say?’ They reply, ‘He praised You and affirmed that to Allah we belong and to Him we return.’ He says, ‘Build My servant a house in Paradise and name it the House of Praise.’”

Our Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is the bearer of the Banner of Praise. His community are those who constantly praise Allah in prosperity and adversity.

Praising Allah in adversity is prompted by two considerations:

The first is the servant’s knowledge that Allah, glorified is He, deserves this praise and is entitled to it in His own right. For He has made excellent everything He created and has perfected everything. He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise, the All-Aware, the Most Merciful.