Tag: theallloving

Mufti Menk, Mufti Menk Ramadan 2019, Ramadan

EP24 | Contentment from Revelation | Ramadan Series 2019 | Mufti Menk

When the prophets of Allah went through hardship they called out to Allah and never ever gave up.

So We responded to him, and We gave to him John, and amended for him his wife. Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds and supplicate Us in hope and fear, and they were to Us humbly submissive. (21:90)

And [mention] Noah, when he called [to Allah ] before [that time], so We responded to him and saved him and his family from the great flood.(21:76)

And [mention] Job, when he called to his Lord, “Indeed, adversity has touched me, and you are the Most Merciful of the merciful.”(21:83)

So, We responded to him and removed what afflicted him of adversity. And We gave him [back] his family and the like thereof with them as mercy from Us and a reminder for the worshippers [of Allah ].(21:84)

When you make dua to Allah there is a contentment that should overtake your heart. You should be overcome by this beautiful contentment because you know I’ve called out to the most merciful. He knows what’s better for me. If He hasn’t given me, it’s not good for me but I must keep on calling out to Him because if you’ve called out to Him; by virtue of the calling you may be granted paradise.

If you’d like contentment learn to respect those things, those times and those places that Allah has given respect to.

Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do – Allah knows it. And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah . And fear Me, O you of understanding. (2:197)

That [is so]. And whoever honors the symbols of Allah – indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.(22:32)

When Allah has given a place virtue, you need to remember if your heart has a little bit of piety in it, a connection with Allah you will grant that place. it’s deserved respect.

Surah al mu’minin masha’Allah, the opening verses of this surah will bring about a lot of contentment if we were to read it and adopt it and teach it to others.

Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humbly submissive (23:1-2)

Anything that’s a waste of time learn to cut it out you’ll be happy – Mufti Menk

 

Important Duas / Supplications, Mufti Menk, Mufti Menk Ramadan 2019, Ramadan

EP23 | Contentment from Revelation | Ramadan Series 2019 | Mufti Menk

May times we are given a task to do and we become worried about how we are going to fulfill the task whether it is at home or at work or elsewhere. Something that is on our shoulders and we wonder how is this going to happen….

If you look at surah Taha Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala talks about a huge burden that he placed on the shoulders of Musa alayhi salaatu wa salaam and Allah (swt) says

  “رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي. وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي. وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِّن لِّسَانِي . يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي”

“Rabbish rahli sadri, wa yassirli amri, wah lul uqdatan min lisaani, yaf kahu kauli”

“My Lord, put my heart at peace for me and make my task easy for me and remove the knot from my tongue, that they may understand my speech. [20:25,26,27,28]

We are taught we can repeat the same dua whenever we are tasked to do something.

Another lesson also to learn from surah Taha regarding contentment. When we speak to people we should always use soft words even when speaking to your enemies.

And speak to him with gentle speech that perhaps he may be reminded or fear [ Allah ].” (20:44)

We learn in verse number 72 of surah Taha a beautiful lesson regarding the magicians who were called by the pharaoh. When they saw the clear signs of Allah they became so close to Allah because they surrendered to Allah, there was a calmness that overtook them. The Pharaoh immediately threatened them by telling them I will kill you then they say:

They said, “Never will we prefer you over what has come to us of clear proofs and [over] He who created us. So decree whatever you are to decree. You can only decree for this worldly life. (20:72)

Indeed, we have believed in our Lord that He may forgive us our sins and what you compelled us [to do] of magic. And Allah is better and more enduring.”(20:73)

Indeed beautiful lessons we learn from reverts those who had just converted to Islam. When the Pharaoh threatened them they said do what you want. Because you can only punish us in this world, you can only make decisions regarding this world, thereafter we’re going to go to Allah and we expect the forgiveness of Allah, the mercy of Allah. They were persecuted but they were content, they were calm, one prostration earned them paradise

Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala speaks of how forgiving He is:

But indeed, I am the Perpetual Forgiver of whoever repents and believes and does righteousness and then continues in guidance.(20:82)

Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala speaks also at the end of that surah of verse number 132 about the importance of encouraging your family to fulfill the five daily prayers

And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness.(20:132)

Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala speaks about the prophets of Allah, the struggles they went through… in surah Al anbiya:

Those to whom hypocrites said, “Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them.” But it [merely] increased them in faith, and they said, “Sufficient for us is Allah, and [He is] the best Disposer of affairs.” (3:173)

Allah said, “O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.” (21:69)

When we are upright and we want to worship our maker alone, be prepared to be persecuted, people might say bad things about you, they might think that you’re a bad person but keep going, keep going for the sake of Allah. Be kind, prove them wrong but don’t lose your faith in your maker, never- Mufti Menk

 

Mufti Menk, Mufti Menk Ramadan 2019, Ramadan

EP22 | Contentment from Revelation | Ramadan Series 2019 | Mufti Menk

We need to think before we speak if we would like contentment.  Whatever you want to say, think of the best way of saying it and then say it.

And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them. Indeed Satan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy.(17:53)

Shaitan wants to seize any opportunity, to split people, to cause friction, to cause problems. if you are careful of what you say and how you say it you will definitely be able to be much more content than you are.

The supplication from surah kahf

[Mention] when the youths retreated to the cave and said, “Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance.” (18:10)

so the point to learn here is if we would like contentment from Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala make sure you’re in a good environment, have good friends have decent people around you, worship allah in a beautiful way.

And never say of anything, “Indeed, I will do that tomorrow,”

Except [when adding], “If Allah wills.” And remember your Lord when you forget [it] and say, “Perhaps my Lord will guide me to what is nearer than this to right conduct.” [18:23 & 24]

Whenever you are planning to do something tomorrow or a little bit later on or sometime in the future, remember it is all only possible if Allah wants it to happen. Therefore you must say insha’Allah. This is why we say when you plan something and it happens your way you say alhamdulillah, all praise is due to Allah when it does not happen your way I usually  say Alhamdulillah twice thank Allah even more because now it’s happening exactly the way He wanted it and He knows what is better for you. There is another term that we need to actually add to the praise of Allah Subhanahu WA  learn to relate it to Allah, you make dua for Baraka and you related to Allah Masha Allah, tabarak Allah or la quwata illa billah. So if if you know that they’re only going to happen if Allah wants it to happen then you will not be depressed, you will not be sad.

And why did you, when you entered your garden, not say, ‘What Allah willed [has occurred]; there is no power except in Allah ‘? Although you see me less than you in wealth and children, (18:39)

At the end of surah al-Kahf there is a beautiful verse number 110 Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala speaks about what to do: you will achieve contentment.

إِذْ أَوَى الْفِتْيَةُ إِلَى الْكَهْفِ فَقَالُوا رَبَّنَا آتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا – 18:10

Ith awa alfityatu ila alkahfi faqaloo rabbana atina min ladunka rahmatan wahayyi/ lana min amrina rashadan

Say, “I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord – let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.” (18:110)

So if you want happiness and contentment in this world success in the next you need to make sure you do two things. Don’t associate partners with Allah and any act of worship make sure that it was taught by the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. You will never go wrong. may Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala grant us success.

Surat maryam regarding those who left their prayer and Salah Allah

But there came after them successors who neglected prayer and pursued desires; so they are going to meet evil – (19:59)

The idea is to be encouraged to say that we must fulfil our Salah and don’t just follow your desires whims and fancies in transgression of Allah subhanahu wata’ala.

Mufti Menk, Sort- Reminders

When Is Allah Going To Stop This Wrong? – Mufti Menk

Many of us sometimes people do wrong to us and we wonder when is Allah going to stop this wrong, how can this person keep on doing wrong, how can they get away with murder, how can they get away with such evil deeds that they’re doing? Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala says in verse number 42 of surat Ibrahim:

And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror]. (14:42)

When Allah (swt)’s punishment comes, nothing will stop it.

Allah says don’t think We don’t know what’s going on? We know what’s going on. We’re giving them time for many reasons. Some you may understand, Some you may not understand – Mufti Menk

Mufti Menk, Mufti Menk Ramadan 2019, Ramadan

The Wisdom What You Need For Your Entire Life | Ep21 CFR | Ramadan 2019

Allah is giving us one after the other pieces of advice where he calls it wisdom, holistic wisdom that which if you were to follow you will achieve success of this world and the next.  In surat al Al-Isra if you start from verse number 23 and you go on, you will find Allah giving you what is known as hikmah, the wisdom what you need for your entire life.

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], “uff,” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. (17:23)

Be good kind and respectful to our parents. Respecting does not mean obedience; obedience is only when it is not in the transgression of Allah and it is not usurping any of your rights then you obey.

Allah says that you are related to certain people, We want you to look after them as well.

And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully. (17:26)

Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala says don’t be wasteful. When you have two of what you need, one of you are wasting remember that.

Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful. (17:27)

Shaitan is very ungrateful. So you become ungrateful when you waste and your are extravagant, you become ungrateful regarding the favours of Allah upon you. Then He says and don’t be miserly. Spend in the middle. You need to know how to spend.

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.(17:29)

And do not kill your children for fear of poverty. We provide for them and for you. Indeed, their killing is ever a great sin. (17:31)

Many of us are struggling not because we don’t have what we need but because we don’t have what we want. There is a very big difference. We lose contentment and happiness because we want things it’s not that we need them. Don’t live to show, people you will lose contentment. They will never be happy, you will not be happy. You will fight with your spouse because you can’t afford things

And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.(17:32)

Don’t go close to adultery, don’t go close to it because you lose contentment it will be very very tough. if you have fallen seek the forgiveness of Allah he will forgive you. But don’t go close to it.

And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right. And whoever is killed unjustly – We have given his heir authority, but let him not exceed limits in [the matter of] taking life. Indeed, he has been supported [by the law].(17:33)

How can you take away the life that Allah has given in an unjust way? Allah is

reminding you that the giver of the life is Allah who gave you the right to take away life that was given by the same one who gave you your life. Allah is the giver of your life and that life so both lives are equally sacred.

And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.(17:34)

Be an honest person, don’t eat wealth of people the widow’s, the orphan’s, the weak, the downtrodden, the beggars whoever they may be. Don’t steal, don’t deceive you will not achieve contentment when you’ve earned through deception.

And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with an even balance. That is the best [way] and best in result.(17:35)

When you’re doing business, don’t short-change people. Don’t deceive in business it will never ever bring about any goodness.

And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned. (17:36)

When you follow, don’t follow blindly. You need to have knowledge, improve your knowledge, and increase it. Follow that which you have knowledge regarding, Allah says your hearing, your sight, your heart, your thoughts, all of that you will be questioned about, so try and purify yourself as best as you can.

And do not walk upon the earth exultantly. Indeed, you will never tear the earth [apart], and you will never reach the mountains in height. (17:37)

You are just like everyone else, be humble, be filled with humility, you will be content.  the minute your humility is gone, your ego creeps in, your pride comes in you will lose that happiness and contentment. – Mufti Menk

Family, Mufti Menk

Don’t Be Upset When Allah Blessed You A Daughter – Mufti Menk

Allah warns us about those who are not satisfied when Allah blesses them with the female offspring. You have a daughter don’t be upset. You don’t know what goodness is about to come from the particular child.

And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a female, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief. (16:58)

Allah says we will bless you with a male or a female, sometimes only males, sometimes only females, sometimes both male and female, sometimes we may not give you a child but you need to understand it’s the destiny Allah has chosen for you because he knows what is better for you. So don’t become upset with the choice of Allah for you.

Many times people have daughters and they say oh I wish I could have a son but when Allah has blessed you, perhaps those daughters will achieve much more for you than any son could actually have brought. Because it is Allah who allows that to happen.

What you’ve got to do? Just look after those children the way Allah has asked you to look after them because they belong to Allah. As they grow older don’t do what your whims and fancies want you to do.  Do what Allah wants you to do. You will be content, you will be happy.

But all we need to know it is a gift of Allah.  Allah knows best why he gave you, what he gave you, be excited about it, be happy about it even if Allah decided not to give you children be convinced that that is Allah’s plan. Your ultimate success is when you get Jannah – Mufti Menk

 

 

Mufti Menk, Mufti Menk Ramadan 2019, Ramadan

EP20 | Contentment from Revelation | Ramadan Series 2019 | Mufti Menk

Allah subhanahu wa’ta’ala has indeed instructed us to be just. if you are just you will achieve contentment, you will be happy when you are a person who’s unjust and you engage in injustice you can never achieve true contentment.

Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded. (16:90)

So, Allah is telling you be just, be kind, be good and reach out to your family members and to stay away from the immorality, the evil and transgression.

Allah says if you do good, if you believe and do good we will improve the condition of your living, first on earth and thereafter we will grant you paradise.

Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do. (16:97)

When we are calling out towards Allah’s path, you call them with utmost respect not just respect but with wisdom with tact, with the best of words, with the most beautiful of arguments.

Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.(16:125)

Allah makes mention of the Night Journey that the prophet (saw) Allah made from his house in Makkah to Bayt al-Maqdis in Surat Al-Isra.

Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward. (17:09)

This Quran is a guide. Do you take it as a guide? If you do, good news to you. Do you give it its importance? If you do good news to you. In the month of the Quran how much of the Quran have you learned, how much time do you spend with the Quran on a daily basis? It is the manual that Allah sent you and I, the manuscript through which you will achieve the success of this world and the next.

Allah (swt) Subhanahu WA Ta’ala speaks about those who want only this world and they have forgotten about the hereafter.

Whoever should desire the immediate – We hasten for him from it what We will to whom We intend. Then We have made for him Hell, which he will [enter to] burn, censured and banished. (17:18) But whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effort due to it while he is a believer – it is those whose effort is ever appreciated [by Allah ]. (17:19)

Remember when Allah has given you it’s not a sign that he’s happy with you. When I lost taken away from you it’s not a sign that he’s upset with you. It is all to do with the heart your connection with Allah and your contentment either way. – Mufti Menk

 

Mufti Menk, Mufti Menk Ramadan 2019, Ramadan

EP19 | Contentment from Revelation | Ramadan Series 2019 | Mufti Menk

When you don’t know something, you need to ask those who know. If you ask those who don’t know you will be increased in ignorance and you will lose your happiness, your contentment and even your success.

Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala says in surah An-Nahl verse number 43

And we sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message if you do not know. (16:43)

To ask questions don’t be shy when it comes to something you’d like to know. If you’re shy you’re never going to learn and your contentment will never be there because there will be something in your heart you desperately want to know but because of your shyness you have not even been able to ask. So build the courage to ask. It’s an instruction from Allah for you and I to ask when we don’t know

Every time you seek or make an effort to seek knowledge Allah will open your doors to paradise and make it easy for you to get to jannah (paradise), listen to the hadith the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam says;

Whoever treads a path where he wants to seek knowledge because of that Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala will make his path towards paradise easy.

In verse number 58 of the same surah Allah warns us about those who are not satisfied when Allah blesses them with the female offspring. You’ve had two three girls and you brought them up because you brought them up in order for them to be given to other men. Allah says We will give you Jannah in return. So, don’t ever be upset when you have a girl child.

And when one of them is informed of [the birth of] a female, his face becomes dark, and he suppresses grief. (16:58)

Allah knows best why He gave you ,what He gave you, be excited about it, be happy about it even if Allah decided not to give you children be convinced that that is Allah’s plan. Your ultimate success is when you get Jannah.

Then Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala speaks about how we should never become jealous of one another, He says He is the one who bestows virtue and wealth. He has definitely created us different ranks when it comes to wealth. Listen to this beautiful verse of surat nahl verse number 71

And Allah has favored some of you over others in provision. But those who were favored would not hand over their provision to those whom their right hands possess so they would be equal to them therein. Then is it the favor of Allah they reject? (16:71)

So, remember this when you’re jealous of someone it is to a certain degree a form of ingratitude and disbelief in Allah. Because it is like you are saying oh Allah I’m not happy with what you have given that man. You shouldn’t have given him. That’s wrong and bad.

We say our test is how much we’re going to give, not about how much we’re going to receive. subhanAllah, – Mufti Menk

 

Mufti Menk, Mufti Menk Ramadan 2019, Ramadan

EP18 | Contentment from Revelation | Ramadan Series 2019 | Mufti Menk

It is important to realize that the remembrance of Allah itself brings about contentment within the heart and the heart of a believer is that heart which will be content by the remembrance of Allah

Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah . Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (13:28)

So, remember to engage in what is known as Dhikrullah, Dhikrullah primarily yes, it Dhikrullah primarily yes, it is the repetition of names and qualities of Allah, praises of Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala in the Arabic language in a beautiful way although we are allowed to praise Allah in any language.

In Surat Ibrahim where Allah speaks about how He will give you increase if you are thankful and if you are ungrateful He snatches away and He even punishes.

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’ (14:7)

Then Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala tells us something very powerful regarding

Their messengers said to them, “We are only men like you, but Allah confers favor upon whom He wills of His servants. It has never been for us to bring you evidence except by permission of Allah . And upon Allah let the believers rely. (14:11)

You need to know the same Allah that brought about daybreak after the darkest time of the night shall bring about solution to your problems after the darkest hours in your life, remember that.

Thereafter verse number 24 of surat ibrahim ALlah tells us to count His favours upon us…

And He gave you from all you asked of Him. And if you should count the favor of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is [generally] most unjust and ungrateful (14:34)

Allah blesses every single person differently. What blessing you have the one whom you’re looking at doesn’t have and what blessing they have you would not have what blessing they don’t have you have perhaps.

It’s up to us to strengthen our faith in Allah to be able to appreciate what that gift is and to show gratitude to Allah in that regard.

Then Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’ala tells us something very important, many of us sometimes people do wrong to us and we wonder when is Allah going to stop this wrong?

And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror]. (14:42)

Allah (swt) addresses the issue of the hurting or the narrowing of the heart of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him in surah Hijr . It happens to us when people say bad things about us or to us or when people lie about us false accusation they say whatever suits them against us to tarnish our image. The most powerful advice Allah from Allah:

And we already know that your breast is constrained by what they say. So exalt [ Allah ] with praise of your Lord and be of those who prostrate [to Him]. (15:97 to 98)

Mufti Menk, Mufti Menk Ramadan 2019, Ramadan

EP17 | Contentment from Revelation | Ramadan Series 2019 | Mufti Menk

Lessons From Story Of The Story Yusuf Alayhi Salatu Was-Salam

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Sometimes people are imprisoned wrongly. Sometimes the law is guilty of finding the innocent guilty and jails them but because there was evidence in that regard or whatever it may have been in some places it could have even been corruption, not everyone in prison is guilty of a crime, remember this.

If you were to look at the story of the Prophet Yusuf (a.s) he actually prayed to be imprisoned wrongly rather than be forced to transgress against Allah.

He chose to ask Allah, o Allah I’d love to be jailed rather than to go against you. So Allah decided Subhanahu WA Ta’ala to grant him the prayer. He was jailed, he was falsely accused, he was found guilty of a crime he never committed.

But he was so content. He seized the opportunity of him being in prison doing things that were so constructive.

If you are incarcerated or if you know of someone who is there, remember my brothers and sisters use the time wisely. Praise Allah, get closer to Allah. Perhaps educate yourself speak to the others, talk about something. If you’re alone at least praise Allah gets closer to Allah, do something constructive.

Your time cannot be wasted and as for depression and sadness there is no room for it in that particular circumstance. Rather die with contentment in a happy mode than to die sad and full of stress and full of that anxiety as Allah has a plan for you.

You’re in a difficult position, make the learn from the story of the Prophet yusuf (A.S) most of it.

Similarly when it comes to his father Yaqub,yaqub alehissalaam he lost his son and he lost another son and he was crying and he lost his eyesight  and Allah subhanahu wa’ta’ala is addressing him…..

He said, “I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know. (12:86) O my sons, go and find out about Joseph and his brother and despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.” (12:87)

Those who might be separated from your loved ones, be content, yes, you may be sad, you may be upset, you might be searching, you might be working towards being reunited with your child or with your loved one but you need to know Allah has a plan for you.

When Yusuf alayhi Salaam was ultimately faced with his brothers and they were exposed, their plots and plans were exposed. So all the planning of the downfall of a person only resulted in his elevation, be content.

He said, “Do you know what you did with Joseph and his brother when you were ignorant?” (12:89) they said, “Are you indeed Joseph?” He said “I am Joseph, and this is my brother. Allah has certainly

favored us. Indeed, he who fears Allah and is patient, then indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.” (12:90)

For indeed anyone who has taqwa and patience Allah will never waste their deeds. Never waste the deeds of the good doers. If you’ve done good Allah will definitely recompense you. taqwa and kindness Allah will never ever let you down, you want contentment, develop those two, taqwa and kindness,

They said, “By Allah, certainly has Allah preferred you over us, and indeed, we have been sinners.” (12:91) and He said, “No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful.” (12:92)

What a great lesson in contentment!Yyusuf (as) had he not been content he would not have been able to forgive.