What then is happiness?

 

"Live in this world as if you are a stranger or a traveler who is just passing through."

 

Happiness is not in the castle of 'Abdul Malik ibn Marwan, in the army of Haroon ar-Rasheed, in the mansions of Ibn Jassas, in the treasures of Qaroon (Korah), or in gardens of roses.

 

Bliss and happiness were the lot of the Prophet`s Companions even though they were poor and led harsh lives. Happiness was with Imam Bukhari in his collection of ahaadeeth (hadiths), with Al- Hasan al-Basri in his truthfulness, with Ash-Shafi'ee in his deductions, with Malik and Ahmad in their introspection and self- denial, and with Thaabit al-Bannani in his worship.

 

(That is because they suffer neither thirst nor fatigue, nor hunger in the Cause of Allah, nor they take any step to raise the anger of disbelievers nor inflict any injury upon an enemy but is written to their credit as a deed of righteousness. Surely, Allah wastes not the reward of the doers of good) (Qur'an 9: 120)

 

Happiness is not a cheque cashed, a car bought, or oil pumped.

Happiness is the solace that is derived from being upon the truth, a peace of mind that is achieved by living according to sound principles, and calmness that is brought about by living a life of goodness.

 

We used to think that if we bought a bigger house, had more things, and purchased the latest appliances and machines that make life easier, we would be happy and joyful. And then it surprised us when we found that these very things were the cause of worry, anxiety, and trouble in our lives.

 

(And strain not your eyes in longing for the things we have given for enjoyment to various groups of them [polytheists and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah], the splendor of the life of this world that We may test them thereby.)                         (Qur'an 20: 131)

 

The greatest reformer in the world was the Messenger of guidance, Muhammad (Blessings and Peace be upon him).

Financially, he was poor; at times, he wasn't even able to find the pit of a date with which to satisfy his hunger. Notwithstanding these difficulties, he lived a life of bliss and inner peace to an unparalleled degree, the extent of which no one knows except Allah, the Exalted.

 

(And removed from you your burden, which weighed down your back) 

(Qur'an 94: 2-3)

 

(And Ever Great is the Grace of Allah unto you [O' Muhammad].)     (Qur'an 4:113)

 

(Allah knows best with whom to place His message.)

(Qur'an 6: I24)

 

The Prophet (bpuh) said in an authentic hadith:

"Sin is what affects (and lingers in) the heart and what you hate for people to find out about. And performing good deeds is what the heart and soul feel tranquil (and satisfied) with."

 

Uprightness calms both conscience and soul. The Prophet said:

"Performing good deeds is tranquility while performing sins is uncertainty"

 

The doer of good is always at peace and the sinner is always wary and suspicious of what goes on around him.

(They think that every cry is against then)        (Qur'an 63: 4)

 

The wrong doer goes from anxiety to suspicion and then finally to paranoia.

"lf one does ill he will feel suspicious, And he will believe whatever he imagines and fancies."

 

The solution for anyone who seeks happiness clearly lies in doing well and avoiding evil.

 

(It is those who believe [in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone] and confuse not their belief with Zulm [wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah], for them [only] there is security and they are the guided)                                 (Qur'an 6: 82)

 

Being a Muslim who is spiritually healthy is better than achieving the kingdoms of Khosrau and Caesar since your religion is what will remain with you until you settle in the gardens of Paradise.

 

As for power and position, they are but momentary and fleeting.

(Verily! We will inherit the earth and whatsoever is thereon. And to us they all shall be returned.)                             (Qur'an 19: 40)