The Enduring Good Deeds

Hadith

Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Look at those who are below you, and do not look at those who are above you, for that is more likely to hold you back from belittling the blessings of Allah upon you.”

[Authentic hadith] – [Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim] – [Sahih Muslim – 2963]

Explanation

The Prophet (ﷺ) commanded Muslims to look at those below them in terms of status, wealth, physical structure, and prestige, and not to compare themselves with those above them in worldly affairs; this helps prevent despising or belittling the blessings of Allah upon oneself.

Benefits from the Hadith

1. Contentment is one of the believers’ most noble traits, and it is a sign of being pleased with the decree of Allah. 
2. Ibn Jarīr رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ said: This is a comprehensive Hadīth that encompasses various forms of goodness. When a person sees someone who has been given preference over him in this world, his soul desires the same, belittling the blessings bestowed upon him by Allah Almighty, and he becomes eager to acquire more to reach or match that person. This is the condition of most people. However, if he looks at those who are below him in worldly matters, he will recognize the blessings of Allah upon him—giving thanks, humbling himself, and doing good with what he has. 

End quote from Encyclopedia of Translated Prophetic Hadiths [hadeethenc.com].

May Allah ﷻ increase us in knowledge, wisdom, and gratitude.

Aameen!