A Journey Towards Happiness - The Essence of Happiness

Happiness is the paradise of dreams and the ultimate hope; all humans seek it, but few attain it. Despite the differences in people's circumstances, including their livelihoods, means, goals, languages, races, inclinations, and aspirations, they all agree on pursuing happiness. This is due to the pain caused by life's difficulties and their desire for a happy and joyous life free of sorrows and worries.

Attaining happiness is a gift from Ar-Rahmaan bestowed upon whomever He wills among His worshippers. Some enjoy it, while others are deprived of it and live in hope. Therefore, the successful are those who are guided towards it, pursue it, work to attain it, and consciously steer clear of anything that conflicts with it and results in suffering.

Where can I find happiness?

Some people believe that happiness lies in money and wealth, while others perceive it in status and authority. Some even pursue it through forbidden aspirations. People strive tirelessly to attain happiness, but there are those who grasp it and those who are deprived of it. Unfortunately, some individuals misunderstand the true nature of happiness. They prioritize worldly matters over their faith and their desires over the hereafter, only to experience illusions and worries. Consequently, they endure hardships and suffer sorrows.

The truth is that true happiness can only be achieved through the fear of Almighty Allah, obedience to Him and His Messenger, peace be upon him, and by staying away from sins and evil deeds. Allah, glorified be He, says:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَقُولُوا۟ قَوْلًۭا سَدِيدًۭا ٧٠

يُصْلِحْ لَكُمْ أَعْمَـٰلَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَمَن يُطِعِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا ٧١

"O you who have to believe fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice. He will [then] amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment." 

(Surah Al Ahzab:70-71)

Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, says "Faith in Allah and His Messenger is the essence of happiness."2 Life and its worldly possessions can never provide true happiness without piety.

As the poet said:1

Happiness in wealth's accumulating, I do not see,

But true joy resides with the righteous, truly free.

For fear of Allah, the best provision, it shall be,

And with Him, the righteous find abundance, endlessly. 

The Path to Happiness

There is no path to happiness but through obedience to Allah. Whoever engages in good deeds and avoid sins and transgressions lives a happy life and draws closer to his creator. Allah, glorified be He, says:

مَنْ عَمِلَ صَـٰلِحًۭا مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌۭ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُۥ حَيَوٰةًۭ طَيِّبَةًۭ ۖ وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُم بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ ٩٧

"Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while being a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life" 

(Surah An-Nahl,:97)

Ibn Kathir1, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "A good life encompasses various aspects of comfort, regardless of their source"2.

True happiness flourishes when a worshiper of Allah embraces the concept of the oneness of Allah, and connects his heart to his Creator, entrusting all his affairs to Him. Ibn al-Qayyim3, may Allah have mercy on him, said: " Tawheed (monotheism) unlocks the door to goodness, joy, pleasure, happiness, and delight for the worshiper."4

Happiness reaches its pinnacle by treating creation kindly and steadfastly adhering to the obedience of Allah. Shaykh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, says "Happiness in your dealings with others, lies in treating them for the sake of Allah. You place your hope in Allah concerning them and do not place your trust in them with regards to Allah. You fear Him You fear Him in your dealings with them and do not fear them, not fearing them in relation to Allah. You treat them kindly, hoping for the reward from Allah, not seeking any reward from them. You abstain from oppressing them out of fear of Allah, not out of fear of them."1

Whoever truly experiences the sweetness of faith has also tasted the sweetness of happiness. He lives with a positive disposition, a heart at peace, and limbs that are tranquil. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, says: "I heard Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said: 'Indeed, in this world, there is a paradise. Whoever does not enter it will not enter the paradise of the hereafter.' He once said to me: 'What can my enemies do to me? My paradise and garden are in my chest and accompany me wherever I go”.