السعادة في الإسلام (الجزء الأول)

Happiness in Islam - part 1


Happiness in Islam The Meaning of Happiness in Islam Happiness is a feeling that resides in the heart. It is characterized by peace of mind, tranquility, a sense of well-being, and a relaxed disposition. It comes as a result of proper behavior, both inward and outward, and is inspired by strong faith. This is attested to by the Qur’ân and Sunnah. Allah says: - Whoever works righteousness as a believer, whether male or female, We will give a good life. - Then, whoever follows My guidance shall neither go astray nor be distressed. But whoever turns away from My reminder will have a life of hardship. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “True enrichment does not come through possessing a lot of wealth, but true enrichment is the enrichment of the soul.” Happiness is Not Restricted to Material Things From an Islamic viewpoint, happiness is not restricted to material prosperity, though material reasons make up some of the elements of happiness. The material aspect is merely a means, but not the end in itself. Thus, the focus in attaining happiness is on nonmaterial, more abstract concerns, like the positive effects of good behavior. Allah says: - And the cattle, He has created them for you; in them there is warm clothing and numerous benefits, and from them you eat. There is beauty in them for you when you bring them home in the evening and when you lead them to pasture in the morning. - Say (O Muhammad): “Who has forbidden the adornment given by Allah that He has brought forth for his servants, and the good things of sustenance?” Say: “They are, in the life of this world, for those who believe, and exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.” Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Among the things that can bring happiness to the son of Adam are a pious wife, a good home, and a good means of transport.” Islam Ensures Eternal Happiness for Humanity Islam comes with a complete way of life. It provides rules and procedures to prepare a person for life in both this world and the next. In this way, Islam ensures a person’s well being in this world as well as in the life to come. Islam comes to protect the highest needs of man: life, reason, wealth, lineage, and faith. Happiness, from an Islamic perspective, occurs on two levels: 1. Worldly happiness: Islamic Law lays down a number of injunctions and regulations to guarantee man’s happiness during his worldly life, which is his first life. At the same time, Islam emphasizes that the life of this world is nothing more than a means of attaining the Hereafter, which is the true life that we all must strive to attain. Allah says: - Whoever works righteousness as a believer, whether male or female, We will give a good life. - Seek, with what Allah has given you, the abode of the Hereafter, and do not forget your share of this world. - Little are the enjoyments of the life of this world as compared to the Hereafter. 2. Eternal happiness: This is the true, lasting happiness. This happiness depends on the righteousness of the individual in his worldly life. Allah says: - Those whose lives the angels take while they are in a pious state, to them the angels will say: ‘Peace be upon you. Enter Paradise because of that which you used to do. - For those who do good in this world, there is good, and the abode of the Hereafter will be better; and excellent indeed will be the abode of the pious. The Life of This World is Not an Earthly Paradise Islam has clearly defined the role of the human being on Earth. It has made him vicegerent therein, whereby he must strive to inhabit and develop the Earth, bring about prosperity, and work for the best interests of mankind in this world. These noble objectives are surrounded by difficulties and require man to exert a lot of effort and to bear heavy burdens in order to fulfill them. Life is not always as easy and simple as we would wish it to be. Quite the contrary, it goes from being easy to being very difficult, just like a person goes from being healthy to being ill or from being poor to being rich and vice versa. Man must constantly deal with these trials throughout his life. In this way, he can realize the noblest qualities that these trials demand from him, like patience, willpower, determination, courage, reliance upon Allah, industry, and good morals. These qualities are among the greatest sources of tranquility, peace of mind, and happiness. Allah says: Surely, we will try you with something of fear, hunger and loss of wealth, lives, and the fruits of your labor, but give glad tidings to the patient ones; who, when afflicted with calamity say, ‘To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.’ These are the ones who will receive blessings and mercy from their Lord, and these are the ones who are rightly guided. Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “How astonishing is the affair of the believer. All of his affairs turn out for the best. If goodness befalls him, he is thankful and this is good for him, and if ill fortune befalls him, he is patient and this is good for him