they are given some of it, they are pleased; but if they are given none, they become displeased.” Their pleasure and displeasure are thus for something other than Allah. Such is also the condition of someone attached to a position of authority, an outward form, or any similar object of his own desire: if he obtains it, he is pleased; if he does not, he is displeased. He is therefore the slave of whatever he desires, held in bondage to it. For slavery and servitude are, in reality, the slavery and servitude of the heart. Whatever enslaves and subjugates his heart makes him its slave.

Hence the saying:

“The slave is free so long as he is content, and the free man is a slave so long as he covets.”

A poet said:

“I obeyed my cravings, and they enslaved me;
Had I been content, I would have been free.”

It is also said: “Covetousness is a shackle around the neck and a fetter on the foot. When the shackle leaves the neck, the fetter leaves the foot.”

It is related that ʿUmar ibn al-Khattāb, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“Covetousness is poverty, and giving up hope is freedom from need. When any of you gives up hope of something, he no longer needs it.”

A person can recognize this within himself. When he gives up hope of something, he neither seeks nor covets it, nor does he keep his heart dependent upon it or upon whoever might bring it about. But when he covets something and hopes for it, his heart becomes attached to it. He then becomes dependent on obtaining it and on anyone he believes instrumental in securing it. This applies to wealth, prestige, outward forms, and other things. Allah’s close friend, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“So seek provision from Allah, worship Him, and be grateful to Him. To Him you will be returned.”