The student of knowledge has contentment

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al ‘Uthaymeen rahimahullaah said:

Adorning oneself with qanaa’ah (contentment) is from the most important of the characteristics of the student of knowledge – meaning that he contents himself with that which Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, has given to him.

And that he does not seek to be from the ranks of the rich and those who live luxuriously – (this is) because you will find some of the students of knowledge, and other than them, wishing to be from the ranks of the rich and those who live in luxury.

So (this person) burdens himself with spending on food and drink and clothing and furniture and then he carries the burden through (taking on) debts. And this is an error.

Rather upon you is qanaa’ah (contentment), for indeed it increases the Muslim (in good).

(Sharh hilyah taalib il ‘ilm p30 -31 of Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al ‘Uthaymeen rahimahullaah, translated by Nasser ibn Najam, checked by Abu Talhah Dawood)