Mir Qurrat-ul-Ain
“In a world driven by comparison, people begin to measure their worth against curated images of perfection, slowly forgetting that peace comes not from having more, but from valuing what is already present.”
Life is rarely predictable. It does not follow a straight line drawn by our plans, calendars, or expectations. Instead, it moves through unexpected turns, some filled with joy and achievement, others marked by struggle and uncertainty. At times, life rewards us generously; at other times, it tests our patience and faith. Amid this unpredictability, one subtle habit plays a decisive role in shaping our happiness: the inability to feel satisfied with what we have. Human beings are natural dreamers. From childhood, we are encouraged to imagine a better future and work relentlessly toward it. Dreams give life direction, motivation, and hope. A student dreams of securing admission to a reputed college. Years are spent studying late into the night, sacrificing leisure, and holding onto hope. When that long-awaited acceptance finally arrives, the joy feels overwhelming. For a brief moment, life feels complete, meaningful, and successful. Yet, that moment often passes quickly. Soon, a new thought emerges quietly but persistently: Is this enough? Could I have done better? Should I aim higher? Gradually, the satisfaction fades. The achievement that once felt extraordinary begins to feel ordinary. What was once a dream becomes merely a stepping stone to another desire?
This cycle continues throughout life. After education comes the pursuit of a better job. After employment comes the desire for a higher salary, then promotions, recognition, financial security, a larger home, or a lifestyle that matches or surpasses others. There is nothing inherently wrong with ambition. Progress, innovation, and growth depend on it. Islam, too, encourages effort, excellence, and striving for betterment. However, the problem begins when ambition turns into endless dissatisfaction, with no achievement ever feeling enough and no success bringing lasting peace.
The Qur’an addresses this inner imbalance by reminding us of the power of gratitude:
“And if you are grateful, I will surely increase you; but if you are ungrateful, indeed, My punishment is severe.”
(Surah Ibrahim, 14:7)
This verse highlights a profound truth: gratitude is not merely a moral value, but a source of increase, both material and spiritual. Without gratitude, even abundance feels empty; with gratitude, even modest blessings feel sufficient.
In today’s fast-paced world, dissatisfaction is constantly reinforced by comparison. Social media platforms display carefully curated images of success, happiness, wealth, and perfection. Academic competition, career pressure, and societal expectations push individuals to measure their worth against others. Slowly, people begin to believe that whatever they have is never enough because someone else always appears to have more. As a result, many live in a state of continuous restlessness. Achievements that once felt impossible start to feel insignificant. Joy becomes temporary, and contentment feels distant. The mind remains occupied with what is missing rather than what is present. This constant comparison quietly erodes inner peace. Consider a young professional who secures a stable job after years of struggle. Instead of relief, they feel pressure to earn more, move faster, and constantly prove themselves. What should have been a moment of gratitude quietly turns into another race.
The emotional cost of this endless chase is often underestimated. When expectations rise endlessly, but inner peace continues to shrink, mental exhaustion sets in. Anxiety becomes common, stress feels unavoidable, and burnout is often normalized. Over time, this unrelenting pressure can lead to emotional emptiness and depression. Ironically, the very dreams meant to bring happiness begin to steal it.
Another overlooked truth is that life often teaches its most essential lessons in moments of pause, not in moments of progress. When plans slow down, when doors do not open as expected, and when silence replaces celebration, it is easy to feel left behind. Yet these pauses are often moments of internal growth. They teach patience, humility, and clarity, qualities that success alone cannot provide. Many people later realize that the period they once considered “wasted time” was actually shaping their character for responsibilities they were not yet ready to carry. There is also quiet dignity in consistency. While society celebrates sudden success and dramatic breakthroughs, real strength often lies in those who continue showing up despite uncertainty. Waking up each day, fulfilling responsibilities, caring for family, and holding onto values in difficult times is a form of success rarely acknowledged. These steady efforts may not attract applause, but they build resilience and self-respect. Over time, they create a foundation strong enough to support both success and failure.
Faith plays a unique role during moments when motivation fades. When effort does not immediately yield results, faith reminds us that worth is not measured solely by outcomes. Islam teaches that intention itself carries value. Even when results remain unseen, sincere effort is never lost. This understanding protects the heart from despair and prevents self-worth from being tied entirely to achievements. It is also important to remember that every individual’s timeline is different. Some achieve early and struggle later; others struggle first and find ease afterward. Comparing paths only creates unnecessary pressure. What truly matters is whether one is moving forward with honesty, purpose, and trust. Progress does not always mean moving faster; sometimes it means moving wiser. Perhaps the solution lies not in abandoning dreams, but in redefining success. It is essential to plan, strive, and work hard. Islam values effort and responsibility. However, it also teaches balance between striving and accepting, between planning and trusting. Being satisfied does not mean stopping growth. It means appreciating the present moment while continuing to work toward the future with patience and faith.
Life, by its very nature, will always remain unpredictable. Not every plan will succeed. Not every effort will lead to immediate results. Some dreams will be delayed, while others may never unfold as expected. These moments test faith and resilience. Trusting Allah’s wisdom helps us understand that delays are not denials, and changes are not failures.
The Qur’an gently reassures believers:
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:286)
This verse reminds us that every challenge comes with the capacity to endure it. When we believe this, life’s unpredictability becomes less frightening and more meaningful.
Learning to value what we already have, health, family, education, opportunities, and faith, lightens the heart. Contentment does not remove struggles, but it gives strength to face them. It allows us to move forward without losing ourselves in constant dissatisfaction.
In the end, true happiness does not lie in endlessly wanting more. It lies in recognizing that what we have today was once a dream we prayed for yesterday. When this realization settles in the heart, life’s unpredictable turns no longer feel like obstacles. Instead, they become lessons guiding us toward balance, gratitude, and lasting peace.
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