Every Individual’s Dream

In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful
May Allah send His peace and blessings upon His final Messenger, and upon his family and companions.

Happiness is one of the most significant needs and objectives that is innately part of human nature.  Since the creation of man, people have desperately searched for that theorem that will allow them to enjoy  their lives.  Humanity exhausted its resources and intellect in defining the purpose of existence in order to attain that comforting feeling of confidence and conviction which caters happiness. But time and experiences proved to humanity that there is only one route to that aforesaid objective and all other efforts are futile and will result in failure.

And say: "Truth has come and falsehood has vanished. Surely! Falsehood is ever bound to vanish." (Al-Isra: 81)

"Say: "Verily, Allâh's Guidance is the only guidance, and we have been commanded to submit to the Lord of the worlds" (Al-An'am: 71)

Time and time again, Allah revealed true guidance to His messengers in order to remind people and direct them to the right way of achieving the most ideal state of happiness.  This happiness is never ending!!

"And We send not the Messengers but as givers of glad tidings and as warners" (Yunus: 48)

If we reflect on the verses in the Quran which pertain to Paradise, we can notice that never-ending bliss is a recurrent theme that is utilized in a fashion to develop men and women of a certain caliber. Happiness and certainty are fundamental qualities of these believers!

"Is one who knows that what has been revealed unto you from your Lord is the truth like one who is blind? It is only the men of understanding that pay heed." (Ar-Ra'd: 19)

That is one of the reasons why the Qur'an is so powerful! It contains clear concepts conveyed in a way perfectly geared towards human nature! Since it is the words of our Creator, it is no wonder that the Qur'an contains the power of changing the most wicked of people into happy, productive individuals.

"Should not He Who has created know?! And He is the Most Kind and the All-Aware." (Al-Mulk: 14)

Islam has dictated that never-ending happiness can only be achieved by applying its comprehensive system of principles. In the confines of these principles, materialistic and spiritual prosperity can be achieved.

Islam has rejected the notion that prosperity can be achieved through spirituality alone: "A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet asking how the Prophet worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, "Where are we from the Prophet as his past and future sins have been forgiven." Then one of them said, "I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever." The other said, "I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast." The third said, "I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever." Allah's Apostle came to them and said, "Are you the same people who said so-and-so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me (not one of my followers)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Islam has also rejected the purely materialistic approach to attaining prosperity. This superficial outlook on life has resulted in many of the modern day conflicts faced by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. This chronic ailment that has plagued society is a fundamental reason for psychological disorders.

"The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing)." (Ali-Imran: 185)

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:  "The heart of an old man remains young in two respects, i.e., his love for the world (its wealth, amusements and luxuries) and his incessant hope." (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

Islam's comprehensive teachings -which are by all means practical and suitable for all times- give us a seasoned understanding of what it means to be truly happy. If one was to study and contemplate over the textual evidences of the Qur'an and Sunnah, he would be able to surpass many of the obstacles that stand in the way of his serenity. In addition, properly understanding our faith will grant us a clear vision of what path our Ummah needs to take in order to fulfill the divine objectives that Allah has revealed.  

"And verily, this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and do not follow the other paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious" (Al-An'am: 153)