Happiness in Islam - السعادة في الاسلام

Happiness in Islam Every human being strives to become happy in life. Most people think that happiness lies in wealth and riches, while others imagine it is in owning a luxurious house and an expensive car. Allah says in surah Al-Imran in translation: “Beautified for people is the love of desires of women and children, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, cattle and cultivated land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but with Allah is the best return.” These pleasures are temporary worldly enjoyments. Whoever lives for them and seeks only to accumulate them without striving for anything beyond will never taste true happiness, and will have no share in the Hereafter. Happiness is not in wealth otherwise Qarun would have been happy. Nor is it in status and authority, otherwise Haman the minister of Pharaoh, would have been happy. Nor is it in worldly pleasures that quickly fade. Rather, true happiness is in obedience to Allah and staying away from disobedience, which leads to eternal success. Allah says in surah Al-Imraan in translation: “Whoever is kept away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has truly succeeded.” So what is happiness. Is it a fleeting joy you experience due to some wordly pleasure? Or is I something greater. Only a few people truly understand the reality of happiness. They work for it, making this world a passage to the Hereafter, and are not distracted by its adornments. Allah says in surah Hud in translation: “Whoever desires the life of this world and its adornments. We fully repay them for their deeds therein, and they will not be deprived. Those are the ones for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire; and worthless is what they did therein, and vain is what they used to do.” Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said that the servant’s happiness is built upon three foundations: “If he is blessed, he is grateful; if he is tested, he is patient; and if he sins, he seeks forgiveness.” So let us consider the means to attaining happiness. Firstly it is through faith and righteous deeds. Allah says in surah An-Nahl in translation: “Whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer, We will surely grant them a good life, and We will reward them according to the best of what they used to do.” Secondly is abundant remembrance of Allah. This is among the greatest causes of peace of heart, tranquility, and relief from worry and distress. Allah says in surah Ar-Rad in translation: “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” Thirdly is looking at those less fortunate. One should look at those below him in wealth, health, and other matters—not those above him. The Prophet 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 prevent you from belittling Allah’s blessings upon you.” Through this perspective, a person realises that he surpasses many others in well-being and provision, which removes anxiety and increases gratitude and contentment. Fourthly is reliance and trust in Allah. Placing trust in Allah and hoping in His (bounty) removes worries and grants the heart strength, expansion, and joy. And finally, kindness to others. Through words, actions, and all forms of goodness. This helps remove distress and brings great reward, especially when done sincerely for Allah. Allah says in surat An-Nisa in translation: “There is no good in much of their private conversation, except for those who enjoin charity or kindness or reconciliation between people. And whoever does that seeking the pleasure of Allah, We will give him a great reward.” Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “My beloved (the Prophet ﷺ) instructed me with seven things: to love the poor and be close to them, to look at those below me and not those above me, to maintain ties of kinship even if they turn away, not to ask people for anything, to speak the truth even if it is bitter, not to fear blame in the path of Allah, and to frequently say: (There is no power nor might except with Allah), for it is a treasure from beneath the Throne.” Know dear brothers and sisters that provision is not limited to wealth. Rather, peace of mind is provision, contentment is provision, and tranquillity of the heart is provision. Whoever fears Allah is among the successful; among those who attain happiness in both this world and the Hereafter. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Three qualities whoever possesses them will taste the sweetness of faith: that Allah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than anything else, that he loves a person only for the sake of Allah, and that he hates to return to disbelief just as he would hate to be thrown into the Fire.” We ask Allah to grant us true happiness through faith and obedience, to fill our hearts with peace and contentment, and make us among the people of Paradise. And all praise be to Allah…