The King and the 99 Gold Coins
Listen to Today's Lesson
The Concept
Why do we feel poor even when we have so much? It is because of the 'Scarcity Mindset.' This mindset focuses laser-like on what is *missing*. 'I have a job, but I don't have a promotion.' 'I have a spouse, but we don't have a big house.' This focus on the 'missing 1%' blinds us to the 'present 99%.' Barakah cannot enter a vessel filled with ingratitude. Gratitude (Shukr) is the magnetic force that binds existing blessings and attracts new ones. As Allah says: 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you.' (Quran 14:7). The 'Increase' here is Barakah. To shift from Scarcity to Abundance, we must stop counting what we lack and start counting what we have.
The King's Servant and the Circle of 99
A wealthy King had a servant who was incredibly happy. The servant lived in a small hut, ate simple food, yet he sang and smiled all day. The King, despite his palaces and gold, was miserable and anxious. He asked his advisor, 'Why is he happy and I am sad?' The advisor said, 'Because, Your Majesty, he has not yet entered The Circle of 99.' 'What is that?' asked the King. 'Place a bag of 99 gold coins at his door tonight with a note saying: Here are 100 gold coins for you.' The King did so. The servant found the bag, overjoyed! He counted the coins. 99. He counted again. 99. He thought, 'One must have fallen.' He searched the ground. He searched the bushes. He searched all night. He became exhausted. He became angry. 'Who stole my coin?' he shouted at his wife. The next morning, he went to work tired, grumpy, and silent. He didn't sing. He was obsessed with the missing coin. The King watched and understood. The servant had 99 gold coins—more than he had ever seen! But he lost his happiness because he focused entirely on the *one* coin he didn't have. He had entered the Circle of 99.
Today's Action
Practice 'Defensive Gratitude' today. The Shaytan's goal is to put you in the Circle of 99. He will whisper: 'Look at that car you don't have.' 'Look at that vacation your friend took.' Defend yourself! When a complaint rises (e.g., 'My internet is slow'), immediately counter it with a gratitude (e.g., 'Alhamdulillah I have eyes to see the screen, and a mind to understand it'). Write down 3 things you usually take for granted (e.g., warm water, functioning kidneys, safety) and say 'Alhamdulillah' for them with deep feeling.
Journaling Reflection
"What is the 'missing coin' I am obsessing over right now? Is it preventing me from enjoying the 99 coins Allah has already given me?"