Today, I felt something to share a reflection, which serves as a reminder for myself—a weak and flawed individual who often forgets. I hope this sharing benefits the readers as well, God willing.
I frequently ask myself, when will humans truly say that enough is enough? Since childhood, our life journey has been filled with ever-growing desires, in line with our achievements.
I often wonder if “enough” is a point we can actually reach or if it keeps moving further away.
In school, we walked every day. At that time, we thought, “If only I had a bicycle, that would be enough.” But when we finally got the bicycle, we started thinking, “A bigger bicycle must be better.” Once we got the bigger bicycle, we wanted one with gears.
Then, we said, “If I could just get a motorcycle, that would be enough.” But after the motorcycle, our dreams shifted to a small car.
Then, after getting the small car, we desired a bigger, more comfortable, and more prestigious car. It’s the same with houses—small to big, and so on. This cycle extends to everything—clothes, technology, lifestyle.
When Will We Feel It’s Enough?
In Surah At-Takathur, verses 1-2, Allah reminds us about human greed: “The mutual rivalry for piling up worldly things diverts you, until you visit the graves (i.e., die).”
This verse reminds us that humans often get lost in chasing material things until death arrives, before realizing that it was all temporary.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said: “If the son of Adam had a valley of gold, he would still want another. And nothing fills the mouth of the son of Adam except dust (of the grave).” (Hadith narrated by Muslim)
This hadith clearly portrays the endless desires of humans. We always want more, never feeling content with what we already have.
Words of Wisdom
The famous philosopher Epictetus once said, “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”
This statement reminds us that true wealth is not in how much we possess, but in how little we need.
Five Ways to Train Our Hearts to Feel Content
i. Daily Gratitude
Practice gratitude every day. Start and end your day by thanking Allah for all the blessings given. Gratitude will help us appreciate and feel content with what we have.
ii. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Constant comparison will always make us feel lacking. Focus on what Allah has blessed us with, for everyone’s life journey is different.
iii. Simplicity in Life
Practice simplicity in every aspect of life—spending, food, desires. By being simple, we won’t be overwhelmed by worldly pleasures.
iv. Understand Life’s Purpose
Remember that the purpose of life is not to amass as much wealth as possible but to worship Allah and benefit others. This helps us focus on what truly matters beyond material desires.
v. Practice Charity
Giving to others reminds us that many people are in greater need. Charity not only purifies wealth but also cleanses the heart of greed and discontent.
The Never-Ending Human Desires
Human nature extends beyond just material possessions. It includes all aspects of life—from relationships to achievements. People tend to never feel satisfied because we often let our desires overpower our intellect.
These desires make us chase after things we believe will bring happiness, when in fact, happiness is not found in what we have but in how we fill our lives with meaningful actions.
Therefore, “enough” is not something that can be measured by the amount of wealth or achievements. It is a feeling within the heart that can only be achieved by nurturing gratitude, understanding life’s purpose, and finding happiness in giving and helping others.
So, when will “enough” truly be enough? The answer lies within ourselves, in how well we can feel content with Allah’s blessings and realize that this world is only temporary.
The attitude of never feeling satisfied, always wanting more than others, and craving praise is a trait ingrained in human nature since ancient times.
This trait can be seen in many aspects of life—wealth, status, and social standing. However, if left unchecked, it can damage the heart and soul, causing us to lose inner peace and true happiness.
Why Are Humans Never Satisfied?
This insatiable desire stems from unchecked greed. It drives us to continue pursuing more, even when we already have enough. Allah SWT says in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20:
“Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children.
It is as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw.
But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers — evildoers), and (there is) forgiveness from Allah and (His) good pleasure (for the believers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment.”
This verse reminds us that the desire to constantly compete in worldly matters is a natural human trait, but it should not become the primary goal in life. When we focus too much on what others have, we will always feel lacking and dissatisfied with what we have.
Always Wanting More Than Others
Comparing ourselves to others often leads to the belief that we need more, even when we already have enough. Social media, for example, reinforces this by showing the “perfect” side of others’ lives.
We often get caught up in comparing our lives to others’ achievements or wealth, forgetting to be grateful for what we already have.
In a hadith, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Look at those below you (in wealth and worldly matters), and do not look at those above you, for this will make you not belittle the blessings that Allah has given you.” (Hadith narrated by Bukhari & Muslim)
This hadith teaches us to look at those who are less fortunate than us, so that we remain grateful and avoid comparing ourselves to those who are more successful or wealthy, as this leads to dissatisfaction.
Craving for Praise
The desire to constantly be praised is also part of human nature. We enjoy when others praise us for our achievements, wealth, or appearance.
However, praise can be a trap leading to arrogance and pride. Allah reminds us in Surah Al-Ma’un that acts of worship and good deeds done for the sake of showing off will not be rewarded by Him.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said: “Indeed, the thing I fear most for you is minor shirk.” The companions asked, “What is minor shirk, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Showing off (riya’).” (Hadith narrated by Ahmad)
The desire for praise is a form of riya’, which can corrupt our deeds in the eyes of Allah. When we focus too much on the opinions and praise of others, we forget that our true value lies in how Allah sees us, not people.
In conclusion, the attitude of never being satisfied, always wanting more than others, and craving praise is a destructive trait. It can prevent us from feeling content and at peace with what we have.
By training ourselves to be grateful, controlling our desires, and instilling sincerity in our hearts, we can achieve true well-being and happiness.
All goodness comes from Allah, and any shortcomings are my own.
