Learning gratitude and contentment from the life of Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ
– Atoofa Nasiha
My Dear Allah,
I have waited so long, longer than I can count. The days turn into weeks and the weeks turn into years so quickly. And yet the longing in my heart remains. I reassure myself that one day You will bless me. I see others blessed with what I yearn for, yet here I stand, patient and devoted, calling to You day after day. The silence of my future and the emptiness of my heart weigh on me. I wonder, is my prayer heard? Am I forgotten?
And yet, I know that You are the All-Hearing, the Most Generous. Even in my waiting, I feel Your presence. Every prayer, every sigh, every whisper of my heart, You know it all. My heart trembles in hope and in humility. Teach me to remain grateful, not only for the joy I may receive but also for the test I endure.
It is easy to say Alhamdulillah and thank Allah when blessed with something we have been longing for or to say further it is even more pleasing when we receive blessings that we didn’t even think about. But when life turns on the other side and when it becomes for the heart to slowly lose contentment, does the gratitude remain the same?
Sometimes, people remember Allah only in moments of hardship but forget Him once relief arrives. Allah reminds us of this human tendency in the Qur’an:
وَإِذَا مَسَّ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ ضُرٌّۭ دَعَا رَبَّهُۥ مُنِيبًا إِلَيْهِ ثُمَّ إِذَا خَوَّلَهُۥ نِعْمَةًۭ مِّنْهُ نَسِىَ مَا كَانَ يَدْعُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِ
“When any affliction befalls man, he cries out to his Lord, penitently turning to Him. But when his Lord bestows His favour upon him, he forgets the affliction regarding which he had cried out.” (39:8)
But a true believer is content during both trials and joys. He bows to Allah with the same khushu’ (humility) in every state whether in need or in abundance.
And then Allah talks about Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. He called to Allah for years, longing for a child, a companion in his life and a continuation of his mission. Despite the passage of time and the apparent silence, he remained patient, steadfast, and devoted in his supplications.
The Gratitude and Contentment of Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ
Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was a man of firm faith, patience, and hope. Despite being a prophet and a servant of Allah, Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ faced a deeply human longing. He desired a child who would continue the path of worship and righteousness, but years passed without an answer. Yet, instead of resentment or despair, he turned to Allah with sincere prayer and patience.
Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was chosen to care for Maryam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ when she was placed under the protection of the Temple. Every day, he would provide her with food, water, and guidance, ensuring she remained safe and devoted to Allah.
The Qur’an describes this moment in Surah Al-Anbiya:
وَزَكَرِيَّآ إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُۥ رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِى فَرْدًۭا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلْوَٰرِثِينَ
“And We bestowed favour upon Zechariah, when he cried to his Lord: ‘Lord! Leave me not solitary (without any issue). You are the Best Inheritor.’” (Quran 21:89)
Humans desire so many things which are completely natural. And asking the Creator to grant us those blessings requires unflinching faith and hopes in Him. Longing for an offspring and consistently asking it from the Lord requires a higher level of Tawakkul. While also the hopes in Him should outweigh the fear of not having the blessing in return. This verse vividly describes Zakariyah’s عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ humility and dependence on the Most Merciful. He recognised that children, wealth, and companionship are gifts from the Almighty, and he acknowledged that the ultimate inheritor of all matters is Allah Himself. In his longing, Zakariyah did not lose gratitude for what he already had in his life, his knowledge, and his closeness to the Lord.
Even when time seemed against him, Zakariyah did not give up. His prayer was specific, heartfelt, and repeated. Allah responds to such sincere devotion, as reflected in the Qur’an. After Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ prayed for a child, Allah responded to his supplication in a remarkable way. The Qur’an says:
فَنَادَتْهُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةُ وَهُوَ قَآئِمٌۭ يُصَلِّى فِى ٱلْمِحْرَابِ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكَ بِيَحْيَىٰ مُصَدِّقًۢا بِكَلِمَةٍۢ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَسَيِّدًۭا وَحَصُورًۭا وَنَبِيًّۭا مِّنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ
“As he stood praying in the sanctuary, the angels called out to him: ‘Allah gives you good tidings of John (Yahya), who shall confirm a command of Allah, shall be outstanding among men, utterly chaste, and a Prophet from among the righteous.’” (Qur’an 3:39)
This moment shows that Zakariyah’s عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ prayers were heard. Even though he was advanced in age and his wife had been barren, Allah’s promise came to him. The angels’ announcement not only gave glad tidings of the arrival of his son, Yahya, but also reassured him that his patience and gratitude were recognised.
And then Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, yet he approached this blessing with humility. The Qur’an continues:
قَالَ رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِى غُلَـٰمٌۭ وَقَدْ بَلَغَنِىَ ٱلْكِبَرُ وَٱمْرَأَتِى عَاقِرٌۭ
Zechariah exclaimed: ‘My Lord! How shall I have a son when old age has overtaken me and my wife is barren?’
قَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ ٱللَّهُ يَفْعَلُ مَا يَشَآءُ
“He said: Thus shall it be; Allah does what He wills.’” (Qur’an 3:40)
The impossible dua was answered, and Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ did not rush to embrace it, saying, “Finally! I deserve this completely. Thank You, Allah.” Not at all. Instead, see how this verse highlights Zakariyah’s humility and his complete reliance on Allah’s power. Even after receiving the good news, he did not claim the blessing as a right or assume it would happen without Allah’s command.
Through these verses, we see the balance in Zakariyah’s عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ heart: he prayed with hope, acknowledged his limitations, and accepted the decree of Allah with complete faith. His gratitude was evident in both his prayers and his everyday life, as he continued caring for Maryam and maintaining his devotion in the sanctuary. Zakariyah’s عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ contentment did not come only after receiving his child; it was reflected in the way he continued to serve Maryam and maintain his devotion, fully trusting the Most Merciful’s timing.
After Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ expressed his amazement at Allah’s promise, he says,
قَالَ رَبِّ ٱجْعَل لِّىٓ ءَايَةًۭ ۖ قَالَ ءَايَتُكَ أَلَّا تُكَلِّمَ ٱلنَّاسَ ثَلَـٰثَةَ أَيَّامٍ إِلَّا رَمْزًۭا ۗ وَٱذْكُر رَّبَّكَ كَثِيرًۭا وَسَبِّحْ بِٱلْعَشِىِّ وَٱلْإِبْكَـٰرِ
“Zakariyah said: ‘O my Lord! Appoint a sign for me. The angel said: ‘The sign for you shall be that you shall not speak to men for three days except by gesture. Remember your Lord and extol His glory by night and by day.’”
(Qur’an 3:41)
Then Allah sent confirmation of His promise through a sign. Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was instructed to remain silent for three nights while continuing his worship and remembrance.
فَٱسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُۥ وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥ يَحْيَىٰ وَأَصْلَحْنَا لَهُۥ زَوْجَهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ يُسَـٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ وَيَدْعُونَنَا رَغَبًۭا وَرَهَبًۭا ۖ وَكَانُوا۟ لَنَا خَـٰشِعِينَ
“So We accepted his prayer and bestowed upon him John, and We made his wife fit (to bear a child). Verily they hastened in doing good works and called upon Us with longing and fear, and humbled themselves to Us.” (21:90)
And Zakariyah’s prayers were answered exactly as he had hoped. Even in old age, Allah blessed him with a righteous son, Yahya عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ. Zakariyah’s contentment is clear: he did not complain about his long years of waiting or question Allah’s timing. Instead, he continued his worship, demonstrating gratitude through both action and humility. His prayers were coupled with hope in Allah’s mercy, and fear in His decree showing a perfect balance of Tawakkul.
Now, when we look at all these ayahs together, we see how Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, though a prophet, had to wait patiently for his duas to be answered. Despite the long period of waiting, he continued his worship, cared for Maryam, and remained devoted to the Most Merciful with humility. While many would lose hope or struggle to maintain their routine, Zakariyah knew everything is under the Qadr of Allah. His example shows that true contentment is not the absence of desire but trust, gratitude, and steady devotion.
Let’s explore what makes a heart truly content, even when there is no grand blessing to be thankful for.
Cultivating Contentment Through Gratitude and Faith
In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to focus on what we lack rather than appreciating what we already have. Islamic teachings emphasise gratitude (shukr) and contentment (rida) as ways to nurture inner peace and resilience. By consciously recognising and appreciating our blessings, we not only strengthen our spiritual connection with Allah but also support mental and emotional well-being.²
The Psychology Behind Being Contentful
Contentment arises from a balanced perspective on life, where individuals appreciate what they have rather than focusing on what they lack. This mindset fosters resilience, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being. Practising gratitude, such as keeping a gratitude journal, has been shown to increase happiness and life satisfaction by shifting focus from negative to positive aspects of life.¹
Successful People Often Start with an Optimistic Mindset
Successful individuals often exhibit an optimistic outlook, which is foundational for setting and achieving goals. This optimism is closely linked to gratitude, as it encourages individuals to acknowledge and appreciate their progress, reinforcing positive behaviours and attitudes.²
Gratitude Brings Peace and Happiness
Gratitude has been consistently associated with greater happiness and well-being. It helps individuals feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. Neuroscientific studies indicate that practising gratitude activates areas of the brain related to reward processing and positive emotions, such as the ventral striatum, which is involved in motivation and pleasure.³
Greedy People Live a Life with No Joy
Greed is often associated with negative psychological outcomes, including lower self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Individuals exhibiting greedy behaviours tend to experience less satisfaction and are more prone to emotional instability. Research has shown that greedy individuals often have higher economic outcomes but lower psychological well-being, indicating that material gain does not equate to happiness.⁴
Being Content with Existing Blessings Brings More Blessings
Embracing contentment leads to increased resilience and a more positive outlook on life. This attitude not only enhances personal well-being but also attracts more opportunities and blessings. Studies have found that individuals who consciously count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed. Additionally, gratitude practices have been linked to improved sleep quality, lower blood pressure, and reduced symptoms of depression, contributing to a healthier and more fulfilling life.¹
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on Gratitude and Contentment
Islamic teachings describe shukr (gratitude) and rida (contentment) as the twin foundations of a peaceful heart. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that true gratitude is not found in abundance, but in perspective. He said: “Look at those below you and do not look at those above you, for it is the best way not to belittle the favours of Allah upon you.” (Sahih Muslim 2963)
This teaching mirrors what modern psychology calls “downward comparison,” which is a method of maintaining emotional balance by focusing on the blessings one has instead of envying others. Studies show that this mindset increases satisfaction, reduces envy, and encourages happiness. Islam emphasised this over fourteen centuries ago, guiding believers to protect their hearts from greed and discontent.⁵
Relating to Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ
When we relate these scientific insights to Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ’s life, we see the human side of waiting and longing. Years passed before his prayers for a child were answered, and his wife had remained barren. Science shows that prolonged uncertainty and unfulfilled desires can increase stress hormones, trigger anxiety, and reduce overall life satisfaction. Yet Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ remained steadfast, maintaining daily worship, caring for Maryam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, and this was possible because he continually turned to Allah with hope and humility.
His story reminds us that contentment is not the absence of longing but the ability to remain grounded and grateful amid uncertainty. Modern psychology confirms that cultivating gratitude, focusing on existing blessings, and maintaining an optimistic faith reduce stress and enhance resilience. Just as Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ’s devotion and trust were recognised by Allah, we too can find strength and peace when we reframe our life challenges as opportunities to practise patience, gratitude, and faith.
Lessons from the Qur’an and Science on Remaining Grateful
Gratitude grows even amid longing
Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ longed for a child for many years, yet he continued his worship, caring for Maryam عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, and turning to Allah with humility and hope. Even when his prayer seemed unanswered, his faith did not weaken. Science shows that practising gratitude in difficult times improves mental well-being and strengthens emotional balance. Like Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, when we focus on what we have instead of what we lack, our hearts remain steady and hopeful.
Contentment is active, not passive
Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ did not stop praying or serving when he faced years of waiting. He continued his daily duties and worship, which reflected his trust in Allah’s plan. Psychology teaches that gratitude is not just a feeling but a practice that involves consciously recognising the good that already exists in one’s life. Contentment grows through such daily reflection and action, not through silence or neglect.
Optimism and faith reinforce each other
Even at an age when most people would give up, Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ continued to hope in Allah’s mercy. His optimism was not blind, but based on faith that Allah never ignores sincere prayers. Studies show that people who think positively are more resilient and calmer in facing challenges. Faith adds strength to this optimism, reminding us that good outcomes are never impossible for the One who can create from nothing.
Patience and reflection reduce stress
Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ spent his time in remembrance and prayer, which kept his heart at peace while waiting. Scientific research on mindfulness and reflection shows that regular moments of calm reduce stress and improve emotional control. Dhikr and prayer serve the same purpose, giving the heart a place to rest even when life feels uncertain.
Gratitude attracts blessings
When Zakariyah عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ thanked Allah with a sincere heart, his gratitude was rewarded with both a son and greater spiritual joy. The Qur’an reminds us that
لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ
If you give thanks, I will certainly grant you more. (Qur’an 14:7)
Gratitude not only pleases Allah but also opens our hearts to see new blessings around us. When we express thankfulness for the present, we invite more reasons to be thankful in the future.
Dua For Thanking Allah
رَبِّ أَعِنِّي عَلَىٰ ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ
“My Lord, help me to remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in the best manner.” (Sahih al-Jami’)
References
- Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12585811/
- Yaqeen Institute. (2022). The art of gratitude: Qur’anic themes on shukr. https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/the-art-of-gratitude-quranic-themes-on-shukr
- Fox, G. R., Kaplan, J., Damasio, H., & Damasio, A. (2015). Neural correlates of gratitude. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1491. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01491
- Seuntjens, T. G., et al. (2016). The psychology of greed. Psychology, 21(10), 1–17. https://research.tilburguniversity.edu/files/13518221/Seuntjens_Psychology_21_10_2016.pdf
- Hu, Y., et al. (2024). Downward social comparison positively promotes altruism. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1386860. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1386860/full
