Contentment as Household Management in Saadi’s *Golestan*

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 phd sociology university of tehran

2 tehran university

10.30471/soci.2026.12249.2201

Abstract

Consumerism in late capitalism is not merely an economic model but a cultural-social system that defines individuals' identity and social status based on consumption patterns. This research, employing grounded theory methodology and re-reading Saadi's Golestan, seeks to formulate the concept of qana'at (contentment) as a social phenomenon corresponding to tadbir-e manzel (household management) in Islamic practical philosophy. The findings reveal that contrary to individualistic interpretations, Saadi links contentment to six main categories: non-attachment with balanced enjoyment, service to people, social status and self-esteem, social justice, psychological tranquility, and detachment from political power. This systematic integration elevates contentment from a personal virtue to an essentially social concept that, on one hand, enables generosity and service to the needy through frugality, and on the other, fosters social solidarity and cohesion by reducing competitive consumption. In the contemporary era, reinterpreting this concept offers an ethical and cultural alternative to capitalism's endless cycle of desire-creation, redefining the human relationship with "having" and promoting a conscious, just, and sustainable lifestyle.

Keywords

Journal of Islam and Social Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 04 August 2026

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