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The Path To Happiness
a Muslim, he does not oppress him, nor does he fail him, nor
does he lie to him, nor does he hold him in contempt. Piety is
right here [and he pointed to his chest three times]. It is evil
enough for a man to hold his fellow Muslim in contempt. A
Muslim is sacred for another Muslim; his blood, his property,
and his honor.” (Muslim)
Allah instructs us to love for others what we love for ourselves.
He says:
“And [there is a share for] those who came after them, saying,
‘Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith
and put not in our hearts [any] resentment
toward those who have believed.
Our Lord, indeed You Are Kind and Merciful.’”
(59:10)
This feeling of good will and good fortune
for one’s fellow brothers should
come from a sincere heart. The Prophet
صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Whoever supplicates for his brothers,
an angel will say, ‘Ameen and may you
receive equal to it.’” (Muslim)
16 Avoiding arrogance and demeaning others. An arrogant
person would not be happy, for people would despise
him. He hates people and people hate him. How much happiness
would such an individual experience? Allah says:
“Those who dispute concerning the signs of Allah without an
authority having come to them, great is the hatred [of them] in
the sight of Allah and in the sight of those who have believed.
Thus does Allah seal over every heart [belonging to] an arrogant
tyrant.” (40:35)
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“One who has an ant’s weight of arrogance in his heart will not
• A Muslim is the brother of
a Muslim
How to Attain True Happiness
55
enter Paradise. A man said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, one of us
would like to wear good clothes and wear good sandals [is this
arrogance?].’ The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم replied: ‘Indeed Allah is beautiful
and loves beauty. Arrogance is to reject the truth [out of pride]
and to belittle people.’” (Muslim)
17 It is prohibited for one to be miserly. Miserliness is
a trait that is despised in Islam and certainly is a chief cause
in making one miserable. The miserly will always be worried
about his wealth and will be fearful of losing any of it. The extra
“care” he exercises will prevent him from enjoying his possessions
and will also prevent him from giving out in the paths of
goodness. Allah says:
“And let not those who [greedily] withhold what Allah has given
them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather,
it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled by what they
withheld on the Day of Resurrection. And to Allah belongs the
heritage of the heavens and the earth. And Allah, with what you
do, is [fully] Acquainted.” (3:180)
The miserly will also distance himself from people, for he would
fear that people would be after his money and worldly possessions.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“A generous person is beloved by Allah and beloved by people
and would be protected from the Hell-Fire. The miser is not
beloved by Allah and is far from Paradise, and disliked by people
and close to the Hell-Fire. An ignorant, generous person is
more beloved to Allah than a faithful miser.” (Tirmidhi)
Islam encourages the Muslim to give in charity and not to be
miserly. One who does not give out from his wealth will ultimately
lose his wealth. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Every day two angels will supplicate saying: ‘O Allah give one
who gives in charity for Your sake reward and bless his wealth,
and make one who is a miser lose his wealth.’” (Bukhari)
Islam encourages
the Muslim to give
out in the path of
Allah and not to be
miserly. One who
does not give out
from his wealth, will
ultimately lose his
wealth.
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The Path To Happiness
The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم clarified what dangers will afflict the
community at large when miserliness becomes prevalent. The
Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Beware of wrongdoing, for indeed it is a great darkness on the
Day of Resurrection. Beware of miserliness, for it destroyed
those who were before you. It led them to shedding each others
blood and violating their families.” (Muslim)
These traits are definitely despised in Islam and they are considered
traits that decrease one’s Iman (faith). The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم
said:
“Belief in God and miserliness cannot coexist in an individual’s
heart.” (Nasa’ee)
18 One is ordered to be patient and not lose hope
regardless of what may befall them. Patience is a requirement
in our daily lives. In general, nothing can be acquired except
with patience. Allah says:
“O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain
stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.” (3:200)
This life is a test from Allah. He tests us to see who of us is
most righteous. Allah says:
“And we will surely test you with something of fear and hunger,
and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings
to the patient.” (2:155)
Patience is
a requirement in
our daily lives. In
general, nothing can
be acquired except
with patience.
• Obey Allah that you may be successful (3:200)
How to Attain True Happiness
57
Along with patience, one is instructed to forgive one who has
wronged him. Allah says:
“And whoever is patient and forgives - indeed, that is of the
matters [requiring] determination.” (42:43)
Becoming more patient is a goal every Muslim strives to attain.
Allah has mentioned to us His love for those who are patient.
Allah says:
“And Allah loves the patient.” (3:146)
Allah has promised those who are patient with a complete reward.
Allah says:
“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without limit.”
(39:10)
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“There is no blessing greater than patience.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
We are taught that when one holds patiently, they will find ease
from the hardships that may have befallen them and they will
find happiness after having been saddened by the calamity
that befell them. Allah says:
“For indeed, with hardship [there will come] ease. Indeed, with
hardship [there will come] ease.” (94:5-6)
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Know that victory is the outcome of patience, and that relief is
the outcome of anguish and agony, and know that with hardship
there is ease.” (Hakim)
Patience is of three types:
First type: Patience when doing acts of worship. Allah says:
“Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent
is the final home.” (13:24)
Second type: Patience in relation to avoiding sinful acts. Allah
says:
“And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call
We are taught
that when one
holds patiently, they
will find ease from
the hardships that
may have befallen
them and they will
find happiness
after having been
saddened by the
calamity that befell
them.
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The Path To Happiness
upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His
countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring
the adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one
whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance
and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.”
(18:28)
Third type: Patience in relation to calamities Allah decrees
upon man. Allah says:
“No disaster strikes except by the permission of God. And
whoever believes in Allah - He will guide his heart. And Allah
is Knowing of all things.” (64:11)
Islam instructs the Muslim to be patient in relation to what is
decreed by Allah. We are instructed to say what the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم
has said when a calamity strikes:
“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. O Allah reward
me in this calamity and give me better in return.’ When
one says this, Allah will reward him and give him better in
return.” (Ahmed)
19 One should not become angry or emotional. Anger
will lead one to doing things that will make him sorrowful. Allah
says:
“And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and
when they are angry, they forgive.” (42:37)
Whoever can control his anger will be able to undertake the
hardships of this life; The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“The powerful one is not one who can wrestle with another, but
the powerful one is he who can control himself at the time of
anger.” (Agreed Upon)
20 We are encouraged in Islam to forgive when one
wrongs us. This action will cause love to spread in the community.
Allah says:
Islam instructs
the Muslim to
be patient in
relation to what is
decreed by Allah.
How to Attain True Happiness
59
“Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship
and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah
loves the doers of good.” (3:134)
We as Muslims have been ordered with something greater
than all of this. We are to be kind when people are unkind towards
us. This will rid an individual from the disease of hatred
and fill him with happiness and the feeling of true brotherhood.
Allah says:
“And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel evil by
that [deed] which is better. And thereupon the one whom between
you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a
devoted friend.” (41:34)
21 The Muslim is ordered in Islam to be hopeful and
not lose hope. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was an example for all Muslims.
He would love good omens and hate pessimism. (Bukhari)
22 One is forbidden to harbor evil thoughts or to spy
on his fellow Muslims. Whoever thinks ill of people will live a
worrisome life. He would be hated by people. Allah says:
“O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption.
Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite
each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother
when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah, indeed, Allah
is accepting of repentance and Merciful. O mankind, indeed
We have created you from male and female and made you
peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the
most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of
you. Indeed, Allah is Most Knowing and Acquainted.” (49:12-13)
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Beware of harboring evil thoughts, for it is the most untruthful
form of speech. Do not spy on each other and do not be hateful.
Be brothers in the sight of Allah.” (Baihaqi)
We as Muslims
have been ordered
to be kind when
people are unkind
towards us. This
will rid an individual
from the filth of
hatred and fill him
with happiness and
the feeling of true
brotherhood.
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The Path To Happiness
Harboring Good Thoughts
A Muslim is required to think well of what his fellow brother
does and not interpret his actions to hold ill-meanings.
01 One should forget about the past and think of the
present and leave the future to Allah. Allah says:
“Lest a soul should say, ‘Oh [how great is] my regret over what
I neglected in regard to Allah and that I was among the mockers.’
Or [lest] one say, ‘If only Allah had guided me, I would
have been among the righteous.’ Or [lest] one say when it sees
the punishment, ‘If only I had another turn so I could be among
the doers of good.’” (39:56-58)
A famous writer wrote: “What has passed cannot be brought
back. What you wish for is of the realm of the unseen. You have
control over the things that happen in the hour that you are in.
Thinking about the past will not bring it back, and thinking of
the future will discourage you from doing what you have to do
at present.”
02 We are encouraged to give charitably and spend
in the path of Allah. Indeed, happiness is in giving and not
in receiving. After you do something beneficial, such as giving
food to a poor person or giving clothing to a person in need
of it, or helping someone out in a calamity, how do you feel?
Allah says:
“And let not those of virtue and wealth among you swear not to
give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for
the cause of Allah, and let them pardon and overlook. Would
you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving
and Merciful.” (24:22)
We are also warned to refrain from reminding those who received
the charity of our generosity, whether these hints take
We are also
warned not to brag
about what we
have been given,
for this will ruin the
reward and will also
rid us of happiness.
How to Attain True Happiness
61
the form of words or actions, for this will ruin the reward and
will also rid us of happiness. Allah says:
“O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with
reminders [of it] or injury as does one who spends his wealth
to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the
Last Day. His example is like that of a [large] smooth stone upon
which is dust and is hit by a downpour that leaves it bare. They
are unable [to keep] anything of what they have earned. And Allah
does not guide the disbelieving people.” (2:264)
If you do not have enough that you can give, then be kind in
your speech and smile. It is indeed better than bragging for
having given something out in the path of Allah. Allah says:
“Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed
by injury. And Allah is free of need and Forbearing.” (2:263)
The Muslim should be a positive factor in society, always enforcing
the commandments of Allah. Therefore, the Muslim
should love goodness for others and hate evil for others. Allah
says:
“And also for those who were settled in al-Madinah and [adopted]
the faith before them. They love those who emigrated
to them and find not any want in their hearts of what the
emigrants were given but give [them] preference over themselves,
even though they are in need. And whoever is protected
from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be
the successful.” (59:9)
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what
he loves for himself.” (Bukhari)
03 One should guide people to goodness and warn
them from evil, so that they can live happy lives. Allah
says:
“And let there be arise from you a nation inviting to [all that is]
The Muslim
should be a
positive factor in
society, always
keeping the
commandments
of Allah.
Therefore, the
Muslim should
love goodness for
others and hate
evil for others.
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The Path To Happiness
good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and
those will be the successful.” (3:104)
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“The religion is based on sincerity and giving advice.” We
asked, “To whom?” He said, “Sincerity to Allah, His Book, and
His Messenger, and sincere advice to the leaders of the Muslims
and their common folk.” (Muslim)
04 Helping the needy and giving out in charitable causes.
Allah says:
“And those who are patient, seeking the countenance of their
Lord, and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided
for them secretly and publicly and prevent evil with good
- those will have the good consequence of [this] home.” (13:22)
05 One should intercede on behalf of others and use their
influence to help others fulfill and complete things in goodness.
Allah, the Exalted, says:
“Whoever intercedes for a good cause will have a reward therefrom,
and whoever intercedes for an evil cause will have a burden
therefrom. And ever is Allah, over all things, a Keeper.” (4:85)
Whenever a person came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم asking him for
something, he would say:
“Intercede for your brothers and you will receive reward. Allah
will take care of your affairs.” (Bukhari)
06 One should offer goodness to all people and in all
forms. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“The most beloved people to Allah are the most beneficial to
others. The most beloved deed to Allah is to make another Muslim
happy or to relieve him from a calamity or help him pay off a
debt or to feed him when he is hungry. Helping someone is more
beloved to me than secluding myself in worship in my mosque
The Prophet
صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The most
beloved people to
Allah are the most
beneficial to others.
The most beloved
deed to Allah is
to make another
Muslim happy.”
How to Attain True Happiness
63
for a month. Whoever controls himself while they are angry, Allah
will protect him. Whoever controls his anger, when he can inflict
pain and harm upon someone else, Allah will fill his heart with
happiness on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, evil manners will
destroy good deeds just as vinegar will spoil honey.” (Tabarani)
When one strives to spread Islam, they will be in a state of
happiness that cannot be described. When one saves another
from the torment of Hell, it is indeed an amazing feeling. When
one of the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad was asked
by Rustum, the Persian King, why he had come to his lands,
he replied, “We came to free people from worshipping humans
so that they can worship the creator of the humans. We came
to relieve people from the restrictions and limitations of this
worldly life so that they can understand that the Hereafter is the
real life. We came to free them from the oppression of all faiths
to the justice of Islam.”
Giving out in the path of Allah is not only in relation to Muslims.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, also gave to non-Muslims.
“Anas b. Malik said that the Messenger of Allah was never
asked a thing but he gave it. A person who accepted Islam
went back to his people and said to them, “O People! Accept
Islam, for indeed Muhammad gives out like a man who does
not fear poverty.” (Ibn Khuzaimah)
The Fourth Pillar: Belief in the Messengers
of Allah.
They are the ones whom we are to emulate. One will not know
Allah or reach ultimate happiness except through them. Imam
Ibn al-Qayyim, said in his book Zaad al-Ma’ad:
“In relation to a cure that will cure the hearts, it can only be attained
from what the Messengers delivered. Hearts would become
well only by knowing their Creator and by striving to do
the good and avoiding the unlawful that angers Allah. The heart
When one
strives to spread
Islam, they will
be in a state
of happiness
that cannot be
described.
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The Path To Happiness
cannot become healthy except with this. One will not know
any of this except through the revelation brought by the Messengers.
Whoever thinks that they can achieve a healthy status
without following the guidance delivered by them is indeed a
fool. They would be living an animalistic life, following their desires
and whims. Whoever cannot differentiate between these
two states has a lifeless heart.”
The Fifth Pillar: Belief in the Last Day.
When one believes in the Last Day and that people will be resurrected
and then rewarded or punished, he will feel rested and
assured that if he is oppressed in this life and cannot regain
his rights, that Allah will give it to him in the Hereafter. In the
Hereafter, payment is not with cash; rather, it is with deeds. The
Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said to his Companions:
“Do you know who the ‘bankrupt’ is?” They said, “He is the one
who has no money” The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم replied, “The bankrupt is
he who comes from my nation with great deeds: prayers, fasting
and charity, but having wronged so many that he would
give those whom he wronged each of his good deeds, until all
of them are finished. He would then take from their sins, and
then be tossed into Hell.” (Muslim)
Accountability and justice is not between mankind only, but
also amongst the animals. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Rights will be given to their rightful owners. Even the right of a
sheep that was gored by a ram will be taken as well.” (Ibn Hibban)
When one believes in the Last Day, they will not be discomforted
when they are unable to attain something in this life, for
indeed better things are waiting for them in Heaven.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said that Allah said:
“I have prepared for My believing slaves what no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard about and what no mind has imagined.”
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم then said, “Recite if you wish, ‘And no soul
When one
believes in the Last
Day, they will not be
discomforted when
they are unable to
attain something in
this life, for indeed
better things are
waiting for them in
Heaven.
• The most beloved people
to Allah are the most
beneficial to others.
How to Attain True Happiness
65
knows what has been hidden for them of pleasure for their eyes
as reward for what they used to do.’” (32:17)
When a calamity hits a believer, he bears it patiently, knowing it
is a trial from Allah. All of the pain that he bore will be forgotten
once he enters Paradise. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“The richest, most blessed person in this life will be brought
forth and will be dipped into Hell and taken out, and then
asked, ‘O son of Adam, have you seen any goodness in your
life?’ He would say, ‘No Allah!’ Then the most miserable person
in this life would be brought forth and he would be dipped into
Heaven and then asked, ‘Have you witnessed any hardship?’
He would say, ‘No Allah!’” (Muslim)
The belief in this pillar will cause the Muslim to strive in doing
the good.
The Sixth Pillar: Belief in Preordainment.
We believe that what has befallen us has been ordained by
Allah, and what has missed us from a calamity or goodness
would never be for us if Allah has not decreed it. Allah says:
“No disaster strikes upon the earth or within ourselves except
that it is in a register before We bring it into being – indeed that,
for Allah, is easy. In order that you do not despair over what has
eluded you, nor exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And
Allah does not like the self-deluded and boastful.” (57:22-23)
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said to one of his companions:
“O young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]: Be
Mindful of Allah and Allah will protect you. If you ask, then ask
Allah [alone], and if you seek help, then seek help from Allah
[alone]. And know that if the Nation were to gather together to
benefit you with anything, they would not benefit you except
with what Allah had already ordained for you. And if they were
to gather together to harm you with anything, they would not
We believe
that what has
befallen us has
been ordained by
Allah, and what
has missed us
from a calamity or
goodness would
never be for us
if Allah has not
decreed it.
• And Allah does not like
the self-deluded and
boastful. (57:22-23)
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The Path To Happiness
harm you except with what Allah had already ordained. The
Pens have been lifted and the Pages have dried.” (Hakim)
Belief in destiny will cause one to become happy and will put
his heart at ease. One would not fret or become upset over lost
chances. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than
the weak believer though in both there is goodness. Be careful
to do that which is beneficial to you and do not despair. Indeed,
that which has befallen you cannot be avoided so do not say,
‘If I had done this or that,’ for indeed ‘if’ opens the door to the
devil.” (Muslim)
One should not despair over a missed opportunity. If one is to
actually take a moment and look at common ailments, it will be
clear that the majority of diseases are on account of worries
that are widespread. In other words, they are a result, whether
direct or indirect, of disbelief in this pillar. When one believes
truthfully in this pillar they will be able, by the will of Allah, to
overcome their worries and concerns.
Types of Fear and its Cure:
Fears, concerns and worries have treatments and cures in Islam.
A person may carry fear from certain things on account of
a variety of things,
A Fear of not having enough provisions. Allah says:
“And in the heaven is your provision and whatever you are
promised.” (51:22)
Allah has told the truth. Indeed, in the heavens there is a provision
for people. For example, rain falls and vegetation grows.
People also benefit from the rainwater directly. Allah has promised
to take care of the provisions for each individual. Allah says:
“And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its
provision, and He knows its living and resting place. All is in a
clear register.” (11:6)
When one
believes truthfully
in this pillar (Belief
in Preordainment)
they will be able,
by the will of
Allah, to overcome
their worries and
concerns.
How to Attain True Happiness
67
No matter how weak a creature is, his provisions are assigned
to him by Allah. Allah says:
“And how many a creature carries not its [own] provision. Allah
provides for it and for you. And He is the Hearing, the Knowing.”
(29:60)
Allah addressed Mary while she was in a state of weakness and
pain during her labor with Jesus:
“And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree. It will drop
upon you ripe, fresh dates.” (19:25)
Allah not only gave her dates, but fresh dates. All she had to do
was shake the tree, and the dates fell within her reach.
Allah also has provided for the animals. They easily find means
of sustenance wherever they are. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“If you were to truly depend upon Allah, He would provide for
you as He provides for the birds. They leave their nests with
empty stomachs and return with full stomachs.” (Ibn Majah)
Many tend to depend upon God in the wrong way. In order for
it be correct, one must do his part. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم once told
a man who left his camel without tying it to a hitching post,
wrongly thinking that this was “trusting in God”:
“Tie your camel, and then trust Allah.” (Ibn Hibban)
Many a time, some tend to neglect this and will simply want
provisions to appear magically. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“If one of you were to sell firewood, it would be better for him
than to beg.” (Bukhari)
From this we understand that we should strive to attain the
provisions assigned to us by Allah. One should not be fearful
that someone will prevent them from their assigned provisions,
for Allah says:
“Say [to them], ‘If you possessed the depositories of the mercy
of my Lord, then you would withhold out of fear of spending.’
And ever has man been stingy.” (17:100)
We should
strive to attain the
provisions assigned
to us by Allah. One
should not be fearful
that someone will
prevent them from
their assigned
provisions.
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The Path To Happiness
B Fear of harmful things, such as sicknesses and calamities
that may befall a person. No matter how a person worries
over this, it will not change the matter in the least. On the contrary,
it may even worsen his condition. Allah says:
“And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is none to
remove it except Him. And if He intends for you good, then there
is none to block His bounty. He causes it to reach whom He wills
of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (10:107)
The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Amazing indeed is the attitude of the believer. All his affairs
are ultimately good for him and this is only for a believer. When
he is graced with a blessing, he would be grateful to God and
it would be good for him, and when he is afflicted with a calamity,
he would be patient and it would be good for him.” (Muslim)
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم ordained that we accept the calamities that
have befallen us and seek to alleviate them.
Once when the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) went to visit his grandchild he
shed some tears. He ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) sat with the child while he was on
his deathbed. The child’s eyes froze in their places like stones.
Upon seeing that, the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه وسلم) wept. Sa’d said to him,
in reference to the tears, “What is this ‘O Prophet of God?”
He replied, “This is a mercy that God, the Exalted, places in
the hearts of His slaves. Truly, God
is merciful to those who are merciful
towards others.” (Bukhari)
Patience is required of a Muslim
and whoever falls sick is
to seek medical attention. The
Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Seek medical attention O servants
of Allah, for indeed Allah
has not ordained a disease but
there is a cure for it.” (Ibn Hibban)
The Prophet
صلى الله عليه وسلم ordained that
we accept the
calamities that have
befallen us and seek
to alleviate them.
• “Everyone upon the Earth will perish and there will remain your
Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.” (55:26)
How to Attain True Happiness
69
One should be aware not to seek medical treatment from unlawful
sources. Abu Hurairah said:
“The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم forbade using medicines from unlawful
sources.” (Haakim)
He صلى الله عليه وسلم also said:
“Every disease has a cure. Those who are ignorant of the cure
would be ignorant of it, and those who know it will know it.”
(Ibn Hibban)
C Fear of death. Death is a reality that everyone will experience.
Allah says:
“Everyone upon the Earth will perish and there will remain the
Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.” (55:26)
No one can escape death. Allah says:
“Say, ‘Indeed, the death from which you flee – indeed, it will
meet you. Then you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen
and the witnessed, and He will inform you about what you
used to do.’” (62:8)
What a person should be concerned with is what is to come
after death, not death itself. Trying to prevent death or finding
cures for it is something that is futile. Allah says:
“And for every nation is a [specified] term. So when their time
has come, they will not remain behind an hour, nor will they
precede [it].” (7:34)
The one who hates death is one who has weak faith or no faith
at all. When one believes in the Final Day, the Resurrection and
the Account, they will certainly be at ease. A person who believes
in death will work to better his situation after death and
with this he will become a positive member of society. He will
not be upset at chances that have passed or with the oppression
of an oppressor, for all of them will be brought to account
before Almighty Allah.
What a person
should be
concerned with is
what is to come
after death, not
death itself. Trying
to prevent death or
finding cures for it
is something that is
futile.
Final Thoughts 05
72
The Path To Happiness
After this brief glance at Islam, if you were to ask me if I am convinced
that Islam is the truth, I would say yes. The reason? I find it
answers all the questions that come to my mind. I find it to be logical.
I am at ease and feel comfortable with my belief, which includes the
belief in Allah, doing that which I should do as a Muslim and refraining
from the prohibited. With it, I am able to attain all my rights and
find that the rights of others are preserved. In it, I find that Allah calls
me to uphold good, ethical manners and to leave aside all unethical
manners. If your belief doesn’t give you all of this, then shouldn’t you
search for what is better?
Do you know what the best faith is? It is Islam. I am sure that some
may say, “Well you are a Muslim and you are trying to market your
faith!” But if I were to inform you that, not only Muslims profess this,
but non-Muslims as well, what would you say? There are many Western
writers who were fair in their approach and spoke nobly of Islam.
Maurice Gaudefroy said: “Muhammad was a prophet, not a
theologian, a fact so evident that one is loath to state it. The
men who surrounded him and constituted the influential elite
of the [early] Muslim community, contented themselves with
obeying the law that he had proclaimed in the name of Allah
and with following his teaching and example.”(1)
Washington Irving(2), said: “His military triumphs awakened no
pride nor vain glory as they would have done had they been effected
by selfish purposes. In the time of his greatest power he
maintained the same simplicity of manner and appearance as in
the days of his adversity. So far from affecting regal state, he was
displeased if, on entering a room, any unusual testimonial of respect
was shown to him.”(3)
Edmund Burke said: “The Muhammadan law, which is binding
on all from the crowned head to the meanest subject, is a law
interwoven with a system of the wisest, the most learned and the
most enlightened jurisprudence that ever existed in the world.”(4)
Maurice
Gaudefroy
said: “Muhammad
was a prophet,
not a theologian,
a fact so evident
that one is loath
to state it.”
(1) Encyclopedia of
Seerah by Afzalur-
Rahman.
(2) He was a famous
writer. He died in 1859.
(3) Encyclopedia of
Seerah by Afzalur-
Rahman.
(4) ibid.
How to Attain True Happiness
73
Final Thoughts
G. Margoliouth said: “The Koran admittedly occupies an important
position among the great religious books of the world.
Though the youngest of the epoch-making works belonging to
this class of literature, it yields to hardly any in the wonderful
effect which it has produced on large masses of men. It has created
an all but new phase of human thought, and a fresh type
of character.”(1)
Now, to be frank, why don’t you accept Islam as your faith?
Is it because it calls to the Oneness of God?
Is it because it calls upon people to worship Almighty God
alone?
Is it because it calls people to uphold all forms of ethics?
Is it because it calls upon people to be just and avoid injustices?
Is it because all people are considered equal in the sight of
Allah?
Is it because through it, all people will receive all their Godgiven
rights?
Since Islam came into existence some 1400 years ago till today,
the number of people who are accepting it has increased. Whoever
looks at it without preconceived notions and reads it with an
open mind, will certainly be convinced and would accept Islam. If
he does not accept it, they will at least appreciate it, respect it and
not show hatred towards it.
Look at our situation today, with all the pressures and problems
(1) G. Margoliouth,
Introduction to J. M.
Rodwell’s, The Koran
(New York: Everyman›s
Library: 1977), vii.
74
The Path To Happiness
that have befallen the Muslims in all countries, they are still
holding steadfast to their faith. In the former Soviet Union, Muslims
were oppressed for seventy years. Their mosques were
destroyed and their names changed. They were prevented from
openly practicing their faith, yet, with the collapse of the Soviet
Union, many Muslim-majority countries emerged. What does
this prove? Doesn’t it prove that Muslims are content, happy
and firmly committed to their faith?
One who is fair and searches for the truth will certainly find
nothing improper in the teachings of Islam. It calls people to
uphold the highest manners, to become better and improve
themselves. Some seekers of the truth have been through almost
every faith, but have not considered Islam. I don’t know
what is preventing them? It may very well be that they will find
happiness therein.
At times one is required to make a bold decision, a decision
that will affect his future. The issue at hand is one of two: either
that you accept Islam and achieve happiness, or that you
don’t accept it and stay as you are. Ask yourself, why is Islam
being attacked seemingly every day in the media? It has been
said, “man is enemy to that which he knows not,” so don’t hate
something that you don’t understand. Learn about Islam and
share that knowledge so that no ignorant people will remain
amongst us.
Steps to Accepting the Truth
The first step to accepting the truth is to listen objectively
to what is being said. Ask God to
help you and to guide you. When God
sees in you the sincere will to reach the
truth, He will guide you. He says:
“And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me, I
will respond to you.’ Indeed, those who
disdain My worship will enter Hell humiliated.”
(40:60)
The first step
to accepting the
truth is to listen
objectively to
what is being
said. Ask God to
help you and to
guide you. When
God sees in you
the will to reach
the truth, He will
guide you.
How to Attain True Happiness
75
Final Thoughts
Ask yourself why so many writers, thinkers and scholarly individuals
from every country in the world have accepted Islam?
The reason is quite simple. When they saw the integrity of Islam
and its beauty after having read about it and having judged
it for themselves without the influence of negative media. They
made a decision on their own to accept Islam as their faith.
They then experienced true happiness in their lives.
Some people though have read about Islam, understood it, but
did not accept it. They spoke the truth in relation to the Qur’an
and Islamic faith. Thomas Carlyle is an example. He said, “A
false man found a religion? Why, a false man cannot build a
brick house! If he does not know and follow truly the properties
of mortar, burnt clay and what else he works in, it is no
house that he makes, but a rubbish-heap. It will not stand for
twelve centuries, to lodge a hundred and eighty million. It will
fall straightway. A man must conform himself to Nature’s laws,
be verily in communion with Nature and the truth of things, or
Nature will answer him, ‘No, not at all!’ Speciosities are specious
– ah me! – a Cagliostro, many Cagliostro’s, prominent
world-leaders, do prosper by their quackery, for a day. It is like
George Bernard
Shaw: “I have always
held the religion of
Muhammad in high
estimation because
of its wonderful
vitality. It is the
only religion which
appears to possess
that assimilating
capability to the
changing phases
of existence which
make itself appeal to
every age.”
(1) Heroes, Hero-
Worship and the Heroic
in History
The famous playwright and critic, George Bernard Shaw (d.
1950) said: “I have always held the religion of Muhammad in
high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only
religion which appears to possess that assimilating capability to
the changing phases of existence which make itself appeal to
every age – I have prophesized about the faith of Muhammad
that it would be acceptable tomorrow as it is beginning to be
acceptable to the Europe of today. Medieval ecclesiastics, either
through ignorance or bigotry, painted [Islam] in the darkest colors.
They were, in fact, trained to hate both the man Muhammad
and his religion. To them, Muhammad was an anti-Christ. I have
studied him, the wonderful man, and in my opinion, far from being
an anti-Christ, he must be called the Saviour of humanity.”(1)
76
The Path To Happiness
a forged bank-note; they get it passed out of their worthless
hands. Others, not they, have to smart for it.
Nature bursts up in fire-flames, French Revolutions and such
like, proclaiming with terrible veracity that forged notes are
forged. But of a Great Man especially, of him I will venture to
assert that it is incredible he should have been other than true.
It seems to me the primary foundation of him, and of all that
can lie in him, this.”(1)
Allah says:
“Indeed, [O Muhammad], you do not guide whom you like, but
Allah guides whom He wills. And He is most knowing of the
[rightly] guided.” (28:56)
One cannot lose hope and say, “Maybe I am among those who
will not be guided.” No. As the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Everyone from my community will enter Paradise except for
those who refuse”. He was asked: “Who will refuse?” He ( (صلى الله عليه وسلم
said, “Whoever obeys me, shall enter Paradise, and whosoever
disobeys me, refuses to (enter Paradise).” (Bukhari)
Many Orientalists who studied Islam to attack it, actually ended
up accepting it. Deborah Potter(2) asserts: “Islam, which is the
Law of God, is evident in nature around us. Mountains, oceans,
planets and stars move in orbit by Allah’s command. They are
in a state of submission to the command of Allah, their Creator,
as are characters in a story, and to Allah belongs the best example.
They do not speak, nor act except with what the author
decides for them. Like this, every atom in this universe, even of
inanimate objects, is also in a state of submission.
However, humans are an exception to this rule, for Allah has
granted him the freedom to choose. He has the option to submit
to the command of Allah, or to lay down his own laws and invent
the religion he pleases. Unfortunately, he has chosen the second
option most of the time. People in Europe and America are embracing
Islam in large numbers because they are thirsty for peace
of mind and spiritual security. Rather, even a number of Christian
Many
Orientalists who
studied Islam
to attack it,
actually ended
up accepting it.
Deborah Potter
asserts: “This
is because the
evidence of the
truth is decisive;
there is no way to
refute it.”
(1) Encyclopedia of
Seerah by Afzalur
Rahman.
(2) Born in 1954 CE
in Traverse, Michigan,
she graduated from
the University of
Michigan in the field of
Journalism. Taken from
the book “What they
say about Islam”, by
Imad-ud-Deen Khaleel.
How to Attain True Happiness
77
Final Thoughts
Orientalists and preachers, who originally commenced their work
in order to destroy Islam and bring out its alleged shortcomings,
have themselves become Muslims. This is because the evidence
of the truth is decisive; there is no way to refute it.”
All faiths today, except Islam, contain many reprehensible elements,
practices and commands. They order their followers
with things that are unacceptable. Each Prophet and Messenger
was sent to their people in specific; whereas, Muhammad
was sent to all of mankind.
A Doubt on Islam and Response:
Don’t say, “If Islam were correct or as great as you say it is,
Muslims would have adhered to their faith!” You may say this
on account of a negative experience that you encountered with
a Muslim, but have you gone through the same experience with
every individual Muslim, so that you can stereotype the entire
Muslim populace? Many Muslims apply Islam as they should,
while others don’t. Those who don’t apply Islam as they should
will receive due retribution from Allah.
Traffic lights have been set so that people drive in an orderly
fashion. If a person goes through a red light, he will be putting
himself and others at risk. Upon seeing one do this, is it fair
that we issue a blanket ruling that all the people in that city are
law breakers? Even if a person does get away with it a number
of times, a person will ultimately get caught and be punished
for what he has done. Now, looking at Muslims, you may see
some who do not apply Islam as they should, but it doesn’t
mean that all Muslims are bad. In simple terms, judge Islam for
its principles and not by what Muslims do. Islam is perfect but,
Muslims are human and imperfect.
I know the decision of accepting Islam is a difficult one, and requires
a degree of courage. I ask Allah, Almighty, to guide you
to the truth and to open your heart to the truth and to guide you
to attaining complete happiness. Amen.
Now, looking at
Muslims, you may
see some who do
not apply Islam as
they should, but it
doesn’t mean that
all Muslim are bad.
In simple terms,
judge Islam for what
it is and not by what
Muslims do.
An account of the life of Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him). The book introduces us
to the Prophet’s noble character, his humble
life and his conduct with his family at home, his
companions and all people in society. It tells us
how he strove to fulfil the task God assigned
to him and contemplates how he dealt with
his enemies, the exceptional magnanimity
he showed to all and his simple, but highly
effective, method of advocating his message.
Islam is the Religion of Peace, shows with
perfect clarity that Islam is the religion of
peace and that the spread of Islam means
the spread of peace throughout the world.
Muslims must always be true to their
promises and covenants and treat others with
justice and compassion.
This book tells the history of Bilal ibn Rabah,
a former slave who became a companion
of the Prophet. The book expounds Islam’s
attitude to racial discrimination, highlighting
significant events that show the Prophet took
care of many of those who were persecuted,
protected them and gave them their rightful
status in the Muslim community.
This book explains how Islam is a code of living
that covers all aspects of life. It comprises
a set of acts of worship which play important
roles in placing morality on a solid foundation
and strengthening good qualities in people so
that they are keen to follow the right path. The
book cites many examples and speaks about the
importance Islam attaches to knowledge. It mentions
a number of recent scientific discoveries
that the Qur’an has referred to 14 centuries ago.
This book explains that Islam admits no rigidity
and making things easy is a general
feature of all aspects of the Islamic faith. It
is a religion God revealed that can be implemented
by people with different failings, feelings
and abilities. Islamic law takes all this
into account and addresses human nature
and appeals to it. God says: “He has laid no
hardship on you in anything that pertains to
religion.” (22: 78)
The Path to Happiness explains that the way
of life Islam provides for its followers is divine
and intended to ensure that people enjoy
real happiness in this present life and in the
life to come. Islam establishes the concept
of true and everlasting happiness, which
makes Muslims aspire to the sublime through
obedience of God and earning His pleasure.
The Message of Islam begins by reminding
the reader that Islam, its worship, the rules
governing people’s transactions and all its
teachings have always remained the same
as they were taught by Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him). No change or alteration
has been introduced into the religion, though
some Muslims have changed. The book
discusses and sheds light on a number of rights
to which Islam attaches great importance.
Human rights in Islam are outlined in the
Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him). They aim to make
man lead a life of compassion and dignity, so
that he acquires all good qualities and deals
with others in the best manner. The book
clarifies the misconceptions that are often
expressed regarding the different aspects of
freedom and responds to criticism in a calm
and objective way.
This book discusses the status of women
prior to Islam and how women were ill-treated
and humiliated in many cultures. It explains
how Islam put an end to all this injustice,
established women’s rights and gave women
their rightful status.
THE MESSENGER OF GOD MUHAMMAD
ISLAM IS THE RELIGION OF PEACE
BILAL THE ABYSSINIAN
THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING ISLAM
EASE AND TOLERANCE IN ISLAM
THE PATH TO HAPPINESS
MESSAGE OF ISLAM
HUMAN RIGHTS IN ISLAM
WOMEN IN ISLAM
This book highlights the great importance
Islam attaches to love. It shows that the love
of God is the best and the most noble love.
When it is rooted in a person’s heart, it sets
that person’s behaviour on the right footing,
elevates his emotions and feelings and
removes selfishness. A person who truly loves
God extends feelings of love and compassion
to all creatures.
Glad Tidings explains the nature of Islam
and clarifies the error of people who rely for
information on suspect sources. The book
highlights the main features of Islam and
tells everyone who embraces Islam that God
erases all their past sins and errors. As the
Prophet makes clear: “Islam wipes away all
past sins.”
Hisn Al-Mu’min speaks of the causes of reversals
and misfortunes that people encounter. It
highlights how one can ensure the protection
and preservation of God’s favours and blessings,
as well as preventing harm and reducing the
effects of personal tragedies and calamities.
The book teaches the ways and means to fortify
oneself against the effect of such tragedies, the
most important being remembrance of God and
glorifying Him at all times. This book explains the
best forms of such remembrance and glorification.
This book discusses the Islamic approach to
sex and how to satisfy the sexual desire in the
proper and beneficial way. The proper way to
satisfy sexual desire is within marriage and
according to Islam, marriage is a necessity for
the individual to achieve personal fulfilment.
For society, marriage is the way to progress,
development and stability.
This book explains for non-Muslim readers
how to embrace Islam and shows that this
does not require much effort. To new Muslims,
the book explains the essential elements of
Islam and outlines the character of Prophet
Muhammad, his qualities and the message
he delivered to mankind. It goes on to discuss
the various acts of worship Muslims are
required to offer, as well as their purposes and
significance.
Questions of the creation, existence and progress
of the universe have been raised by communities
throughout the ages. Yet from its earliest days,
Islam addressed these questions in a most
direct and clear way. This book explains that the
ultimate objective of creation is for all creatures
to submit themselves to God and worship Him
alone. All aspects of life in the universe inevitably
end in death then will be brought back to life on
the Day of Resurrection when they receive due
recompense for their actions.
After first discussing people’s need to receive
the divine message through prophets, this
book relates the story of Jesus, son of Mary
(peace be upon him). It starts well before his
birth, then goes on to discuss his message
and the opposition he had to endure. The book
also discusses the Qur’anic account of Jesus,
which makes clear that he enjoys a very high
position with God Almighty.
Under Islam, the concept of purification is
not limited to personal and physical purity;
it includes purifying oneself of sin and all
disobedience of God. This book discusses
the detailed rules of physical purification,
including ablution, grand ablution, the
removal of impurity, dry ablution, etc.
This book defines and explains the various
types of deviation from the essence of Islam
and its true teachings. It reveals the negative
consequences of deviation on Muslims
and their life and how deviation is bound
to give non-Muslims a distorted view of
Islam. Finally, the book describes the role of
Muslims in discarding all deviation, according
to their abilities.
ROMANCE IN ISLAM
GLAD TIDINGS
HISN Al-MU’MIN
ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE ON SEX
MY FIRST STEPS IN ISLAM
THE BEGINNING AND THE END
JESUS IN THE QURAN
THE PURITY
EVERY RELIGIOUS INNOVATION
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THE PATH TOHAPPINESS
08
This book explains that the way of life Islam provides for its followers is divine, intended to ensure
that people enjoy real happiness in this present life and in the life to come. Whatever the Islamic way
of life includes of obligations and prohibitions meets human needs and ensures man’s happiness,
neither restricting people’s freedom nor imposing a burden on them. Islam gives its followers a
clear concept of man’s status and his relationship with the universe around him.
Islam establishes the concept of true and everlasting happiness, which is
the happy future life in heaven. This makes Muslims aspire to the
sublime through obedience of God and earning His pleasure.
We trust that you will enjoy reading this book and we
will be happy to receive your comments and
observations.
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