In an age obsessed with wealth, luxury, and status, humanity risks forgetting one eternal truth — that the finest blessings in life come without a price. A smile that warms a heart, a peaceful breath, a walk in nature, the gift of learning, or a heart full of gratitude — all are treasures freely given by the Creator. Yet, they remain unnoticed, buried beneath the noise of our endless pursuits.
The Holy Qur’an reminds us of our forgetfulness:
“And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”(Surah An-Nahl, 16:18)
And again, in Surah Ar-Rahman, Allah repeatedly asks us a question that pierces the heart:
“So which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?” (Surah Ar-Rahman, 55:13)
These divine words remind us that true wealth is not measured in possessions, but in appreciation. Every breath, every sunrise, every moment of calm is a sign of mercy — a gift, not a guarantee.
A Smile — Charity from the Heart
A smile is the simplest act of kindness. It crosses languages, heals hearts, and brings light to dark days. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ beautifully said:
“Your smile for your brother is charity.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 1956)
In a world struggling with loneliness and despair, a sincere smile can be more valuable than gold. It costs nothing but gives immensely. The Prophet’s words remind us that every person has something to offer — a smile, a kind word, a gentle gesture — all forms of silent charity.
“Smiling costs nothing, yet it enriches those who receive it.”
Rest — A Sacred Pause
Rest, too, is a forgotten gift. Modern life glorifies exhaustion, as though peace must be earned through struggle. Yet Islam teaches balance — the art of slowing down to restore both body and soul. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Your body has a right over you.”(Sahih al-Bukhari, 5199)
True rest is not laziness; it is gratitude in motion — an acknowledgment that even in stillness, we are blessed. To pause is to listen to the heart, to reflect on life’s rhythm, and to return to our Creator with renewed energy.
Nature — The Open Book of God
Nature speaks a divine language that needs no translation. The Qur’an calls upon us to read its verses written across the sky, the mountains, and the sea:
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:190)
A walk among trees, the sound of birds, or the gentle rustle of wind are forms of worship. They humble us and heal us, reminding us of our place in the vastness of creation. The natural world is an unending sermon — free for all, yet deeply sacred.
“When we walk in nature, we walk through the verses of God.”
Loving Yourself — A Form of Gratitude
To love oneself rightly is not vanity; it is gratitude. Islam teaches self-respect and self-care as acts of responsibility toward the soul. The Prophet ﷺ reminded his companions:
“Your soul has a right over you.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5199)
Self-love means treating yourself with mercy, forgiving your flaws, and using your potential for good. When we honor ourselves as creations of Allah, we naturally extend that love to others. Loving yourself, therefore, is not selfishness — it is the first step toward loving the world with sincerity.
Learning — The Light That Costs Nothing
The first command revealed to the Prophet ﷺ was “Iqra” — Read!
“Read in the name of your Lord who created.” (Surah Al-Alaq, 96:1)
Knowledge is one of life’s most empowering gifts, yet it remains free to all who seek it sincerely. True learning goes beyond books — it is found in reflection, conversation, observation, and faith. Every person, every moment, and every hardship is a teacher. The one who continues to learn never grows poor.
“The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr.” (Prophet Muhammad )
Gratitude — The Door to Abundance
Gratitude is the soul’s acknowledgment of divine generosity. It transforms scarcity into sufficiency and worry into worship. Allah promises:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor].” (Surah Ibrahim, 14:7)
Gratitude doesn’t require wealth — only awareness. To thank Allah for the breath you take, the family you love, the ability to think, to walk, or to pray — this is gratitude in its purest form.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“He who does not thank people, does not thank Allah.” (Sunan Abu Dawood, 4811)
Gratitude multiplies blessings, not by changing our circumstances, but by changing our sight.
The True Meaning of Wealth
In a world chasing material abundance, the Prophet ﷺ offered a timeless reminder:
“Richness does not lie in the abundance of worldly goods, but in the richness of the soul.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 6446)
The truly rich person is the one whose heart is content, whose smile is sincere, whose sleep is peaceful, and whose gratitude never fades.
Every day, we are surrounded by free gifts — love, laughter, learning, faith, nature, peace — yet we often look past them while yearning for more.
“The happiest people are not those who have the most, but those who appreciate the most.”
Conclusion: The Wealth of Simplicity
The best things in life — smiling, resting, loving, learning, walking, meditating, and being grateful — are freely offered by Allah. They require no wealth, no privilege, only mindfulness.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to find richness not in possessions, but in peace of heart. When we begin to notice the blessings around us — the sunlight on our faces, the laughter of children, the calm of prayer — we awaken to the truth that happiness was never missing. We had only forgotten to see it.
So smile more. Walk more. Love deeply. Learn constantly. Be grateful always. For indeed, the best things in life are free — and they are already yours.
The writer is an educator currently serving as a Lecturer in Chemistry with the School Education Department in Jammu and Kashmir.
