Abridged from a story in Siasat Name of Nizamul Mulk (d 1093 CE)
Once upon a time, in a land far away, there lived a man named Yusuf. He was a kind, devout, and pious man who loved and worshiped God with all his heart. He kept his prayers, fasted, and avoided all great sins. For forty years, Yusuf lived a life of piety and devotion. According to the belief of his times, anyone who followed such a path could ask God for three wishes.
After forty years, Yusuf was finally given the chance to make his wishes. He thought long and hard about what to ask for but could not think of anything wise enough on his own. So, he turned to his wife, Kirsuf, for advice, knowing she loved him deeply and desired his happiness.
Kirsuf, who was also devout and kind, told Yusuf that a wife is like a peaceful garden, meant to bring joy to her husband's heart. She then suggested that Yusuf ask God for the most extraordinary beauty for her, so that he would always be happy to see her.
Yusuf was pleased with this suggestion and prayed to God for his wife to be granted beauty beyond imagination.
The next day, Kirsuf was transformed into the most beautiful woman anyone had ever seen. Her beauty was so great that women came from villages far and near just to catch a glimpse of her. As time passed, Kirsuf's beauty only grew, becoming more and more dazzling every day.
One day, Kirsuf chanced to look at herself in a mirror and was amazed at her own dazzling beauty. Vanity and pride entered her Nafs (soul). “I am fit for princes and kings”, she thought, “why should I struggle with Yusuf who can barely provide a loaf of bread for his family”. She started to mistreat Yusuf. She became rude, disrespectful, and selfish, neglecting her children and her duties as a wife. Her heart was filled with a desire for riches and status, thinking she deserved to be treated like a queen.
Yusuf, heartbroken and confused, could not understand what had happened to his loving wife. In his distress, he asked God for his second wish – to turn Kirsuf into a bear.
Immediately, Kirsuf was transformed into a bear, roaming around their home in misery, unable to leave. The bear shed tears, and Yosuf, now unable to care for his children or his worship, felt lost and helpless.
In his despair, Yusuf again turned to God and asked for his third wish. He prayed for his wife to be returned to her original form, but this time with a contented heart.
God granted his wish, and Kirsuf was restored to her former self. She resumed caring for her children and living with her husband in peace. She had no memory of what had happened; it was as if it was all a dream.
The moral of the story is that true happiness lies in contentment (Qina’et). Contentment is a priceless jewel from the treasure house of God. Happiness lies not in seeking more and more, but in appreciating what we already have.
