Some Pillars of Happiness

As humans, God has created in us innate characteristics inclined to comfort and happiness agreeably sought after, regardless of different routes we take depending on respective concepts and reflections of material or moral impact.

Therefore, the Islamic teachings explained markers of happiness and their limits regarding human soul leaning and balance required in terms of soul and body needs.

Happiness in Islam is not only sought-after in this world, but also in the eternal world to come of continuity and no pain for the good ones. God says, ‘And those who are blessed shall be in the Garden: They will dwell therein for all the time that the heavens and the earth endure, except as thy Lord willeth: a gift without break’. Qur’an, Hud: 108.

However, as there is happiness in life, there is also apprehension, sadness and resentment caused by vicissitudes of life. Thus, Islam founded pillars  for happiness; mainly:

Good deeds: For the tranquility and inner peace that good deeds create no matter how tiny they are. God says ‘Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him will We give a new Life, a life that is good and pure and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions’. Al Nahl: 97.

Contentment with what God predestined:

Contentment is expressed through patience and gratitude conducive to a believer’s eternal happiness as explicated by the Messenger (PBUH) ‘of the most pleasing acts to God other than the prescribed deeds, is a pleasure brought to a heart of a Muslim’. Narrated by al Tabarni.

Attracting happiness: through praise, gratitude and feel of blissfulness worthy of thanks to God. God says ‘If ye give thanks, I will give you more’. Ibrahim: 7. As appreciation generates sustainable bliss; also, happiness is drawn from life offerings.

Dale Carnegie rightly says ‘if we think happy thoughts, we will be happy’. Those who decide to be happy can optimistically simulate happiness, believing that God will bestow happiness on the ones who bring happiness to others.