Acknowledgement

The present work has been written jointlyby the two co-authors. Nathif Jama
Adam has contributed the section on "Sourcesof Happiness". Ghalib Ahmad Masri has
written the other sectios of the book.

The authors gratefully acknowledge the efforts thatcontributed to the production of this
booklet in its present form, especiallythe valuable comments of Dr. Mohamed Lotfi Zlitni
and other helpful comments onthe content of this work.

The authors gratefully acknowledgethe efforts that contributed to the production of this
booklet in its presentform, especially the valuable comments of Dr. Mohamed Lotfi Zlitni
and otherhelpful comments on the content of this work.
 In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Introducing

To my surprise, he returned from the richdinner very unhappy. I wanted to know

the reason. He explained to me: "If onlyyou had seen the luxury they are living in a
splendid villa, rich food,luxurious furniture, servants and a fleet of cars! It makes me feel
extremelymiserable". "But, is he enjoying his life?" I asked, "Is he really happy?". "Asfar
as I know", he replied a little pacified," he is not enjoying the luxuriesof his life. He
wishes he could eat ordinary food, even bread, even though heloses all his wealth". "So
you are much richer and happier than he is", I said."Your health is a greater wealth than
those luxuries which have made you sodepressed. Wealth alone does not give happiness.
You will not sell one finger oreye of yours or your appetite for all his riches or cam!" sell
I saw the tearsof satisfaction and gratefulness shine in his eyes. "Thank Allah! Thank
Allah!"He said.

Very often man meets with incidents and situationsin his life that make him unhappy.
Later, when, he recovers his consciousnessand reflects on such incidents and situations,
he finds that his unhappiness wassimply a reaction, and that man can react differently,
achieving thereby ahigher a degree of stability and tolerance if he is able to cope with
thesituation.

A neighbor of the well-known German PhilosopherImmanuel Kant (17241804) had a

cock whose crowing annoyed him and distracted himfrom his work. When he got fed up
with the cock, he sent his servant to buy itand slaughter it for his meal. He invited a
friend of his to the meal and bothof them sat waiting for lush. He talked to his friend
about the cock and theannoyance it used to cause and described the peace and happiness
he was enjoyingafter he had got rid of the cock's crowing. When the servant brought in
the foodhe explained that their neighbor refused to sell his cock and so he purchasedone
from the market. Kant became suddenly conscious of the fact the cock wasstill crowing.

Thinking of this well-known philosopher, Ifound that he felt miserable because of the
cock's cry, and he also felt happyalthough the cock was still crowing. Nothing had
changed; the change was insidehim. It was the inner man, not the cock that made him
happy or unhappy!

I sleep in my house, not disturbed by the rolling noise ofcars and their horns in the street
nor by salesmen's loud voices. Yet, the soundof a footstep or a whisper inside my
bedroom would wake me. If I sleep in thetrain, even the talk of those sitting next to me
will not disturb my sleep. Whatmakes me endure the rumbling noises of cars and
salesmen, or the train, though awhisper or footstep would rouse me from my sleep?
 It isbecause sensation is like a light which, when on, makes things around youvisible
whether they are pleasing or displeasing to you, and when it is off youfail to hear the
noises in the street tough they are louder. In fact, you heardthe low whisper in your
bedroom because you directed your sensation andattention to it; while you missed other
sounds because you kept them out of yourperception despite their loudness, so they
disappear, as do big things indarkness.

Why not divert your attention and sensation fromall discomforts of life? Not all
discomforts penetrate into your heart. Onlywhat YOU allow into your heart willingly will
enter, like a king who allows theenemy into his fortress by leaving a hole in its walls. So
why not strengthenand fortify ourselves against pains and discomforts?

Two menof equal physical strength may carry the same load: the first may complain as
ifhe carried double weight; while the other may laugh and sing as if he carriednothing.

Two men of similar physique may suffer from thesame illness: one may react
pessimistically and always imagine death, therebyincreasing illness: while the other may
endure patiently, feel optimistic andexpect sooner recovery, thereby expediting good
health.

Bismark, the man of iron and blood, genius of war and peace, could not give upsmoking
for one moment; he used to light one cigarette from another all the day.Without smoking,
he was not able to think, plan or take appropriate action.Once, while in war, he found
only one cigarette in his pocket, so he put offsmoking it to the time hardship. He waited
for a full week without smoking,entertaining the hope of using this cigarette in time. He
realized that he wasable to do without smoking all this time. He decided to stop smoking
for goodbecause he did not want his happiness to be dependent on a single cigarette.

Imagine a man whose body was exhausted with illness, andthat suddenly he noticed a
snake crawling towards him and at once jumped out ofhis bed as if he were full of health
and vigor... or a man who returned homeexhausted with hunger and looking only for a
chair to rest on when he received acall from a dear person saying he was coming, or an
urgent letter from theMinister calling him with the news of promotion, he would feel
lighthearted andfull up and would hurry up to the station in the former or to the
Minister'soffice in the latter.

Such powers are the source ofhappiness!

Dear readers! You are rich, but you do notrealize how wealthy you are. Some may suffer
from headache, toothache or colic,which makes them feel that life is dark. Why did they
not see the bright side oflife when they were healthy? If someone goes on a diet, he will
long for amouthful of bread or meat and envy those who enjoy various foods. 'Why did
henot value the pleasures of food before his illness? Why does man recognize thevalue of
boons and bounties only when he loses them? Why does an old man lamentthe passing of
his youth, while the young man fails to smile at his youth?
Why are we aware of happiness only when it is far from us?

Almost everybody is lamenting and yearning to his past! Whynot think about the present
before it becomes part of the past?

We may think that richness can be attained by possession ofmoney alone. What can
money alone give to man? You may have heard of the sickking who was brought the most
delicious meals, but he was unable to eat any ofthem. Once, he was looking through a
window of his palace, when his eyes caughta farmer eating brown bread with black
olives: pushing one mouthful into hismouth, taking a second in his hand, and setting his
eyes on a third. The kingwished he had been a farmer and enjoyed such an appetite.

Why don't you recognize the value of health? Is there no value for health? Whowould
agree to give up his sight for a hundred thousand dollars, or part of hisnose for the riches
of a millionaire? Gold and money cannot give life andhappiness to every man. Rothschild
entered his large safe, and while he wasinside, its door banged and he died in a sea of
gold. Why are we seeking goldanxiously though we possess ample gold? Isn't sight as
precious as gold? Andhealth and time... and the human mind, too all these are treasures.
Why don't wemake the best of our time? Whydon't we recognize the value of life? Why
don'twe make the best use of our minds? Health, time and mind are an invaluablewealth
that may lead man to happiness if he takes the right way.

But what is the right way to that goal which is pursued byman everywhere and at all
times throughout history?

Thereare several trends that describe the reality of happiness and the way leading toits
attainment by man. The major trends can be summed up as follows:

1. Spiritualistic School, in which philosophers and theosophists believethat real

happiness consists essentially in spiritual life.
2. MaterialisticSchool or theory, which upholds that real happiness lies in
materialism.
3.Rationalistic School, in which rationalists believe that happiness can beattained
only by reason and logic.
4. Islamic Trend, which states that, thethree types of life: the spiritual, the material
and the rational are togetheressential elements of happy life if they are ruled by
the Islamic belief,practice and values. That is because man is a combination of
those very threeingredients: the body, mind and spirit: the body is nourished by
food and drink,the mind by knowledge and experiments, and the spirit by faith
and goodness. Butit is sound faith that builds up a healthy spirit and gives a
realistic andtruthful explanation of man's position in this universe, Divine Reality
and thebasic concept of the Oneness and Perfect Attributes of God, and here we
aregoing to use the name "Allah' for God as it is not associated with
anydistortions added by upholders of idolatry, polytheism, trinity and
otherworshippers of false gods.
 Let us consider the crimes andevils of modern societies: murders, suicides, rapes, drug
abuse, robberies,thefts, and sexual, neurological, psychological, juvenile and many
otherabnormalities and disorders.., the void man suffers because of the absence oftrue
faith that springs from human nature and does not conflict with logic,reason and
established facts of science....the lack of awareness of the real aimbehind man's existence
in this universe, i.e., to build and establish an idealand sound society controlled by the
instructions and injunctions of his Mercifuland Wise Creator so as to free man from
destructive drives and inclinations, andthe world from injustice and tyranny.

In fact, Islam, andonly Islam, is the true Savior of humanity and the answer to all
problems andquestions faced by man.

The happiness Islam achieves for manhas two major domains:

1. This worldly life, both on the individual and collective levels. It seeksto give
man a happy life free of cares and evils, characterized by sound faith.It is a life in
which every thing should be placed at the service of man:“And He (Allah) has
subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens andon earth: behold, in
that are Signs indeed for those who reflect.”(Qur'an 45:13). Everything in nature
is made available by Allah for the use ofman through the genius and faculties
Allah has given to man. Yet, many peoplebehave adversely as if they were created
to serve wealth and be slaves to thepleasures and luxuries of life, losing thereby
their freedom of will andbecoming servants of transient trivialities instead of
being servants of theirBeneficent Sustainer and Cherisher, the Eternal and
Almighty Allah. As for theCollective aspect, Islam embraces all rules and
principles contributing to ahappy society, whether a family, a nation or on larger
scale, i.e., on theinternational level.

2. The Eternal Life after Death: The Life afterdeath is a demonstration of Divine
Justice. That day is a must for theachievement of retributive justice and settlement
of all injustices andoutstanding accounts, and at the same time for the generous
reward of good acts.Since we believe that Allah is the One and Only God with
perfect attributes, itwould be illogical to entertain the notion that He will leave
justiceunfulfilled. This life so full of wrongs, crimes, inconveniences, good
deedsunrewarded, and many human affairs unsettled is in fact just an
introductorychapter which prepares for the book of eternal life in which justice is
restoredand a person meets with his (or her) just deserts. The wrongdoers who
havepersisted in their sins and wrongdoing and failed to repent and give up
soundconduct will go to endless punishment in Hell. While those with good
records andrighteous deeds will receive generous reward and attain real and
eternalhappiness in the Heaven of Allah, in Paradise or the Garden of Eden. That
is theabode of perfect bliss, which deserves to be sincerely and industriously
soughtby man. There may be some difficulties and handicaps on the road to this
exaltedgoal of wise and faithful people, as stated by the Prophet Muhammad
(Peace andblessings be upon him) that:“ Hell is surrounded with whims and
watondesires, while the Garden is surrounded with hardships.”. Such
hardshipswill serve as a test of man's goodly nature and of his truthful insistence
onthe attainment of Allah's pleasure and reward. A trader may spend
sleeplessnights and put up with arduous efforts in order to win a gainful deal.
However,the eternal life in the abode of happiness is the biggest deal which man
hasever competed or striven to attain. But what is Paradise like? The answer
canonly be found in the word of Allah in His Glorious Quran or in the words of
HisGracious Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him), who is the genuine
Authorityon the affairs of the seen and unseen in general and the Hereafter
inparticular, as he learnt about such realities through Revelation received fromthe
All-knowing, All-aware, Absolute Allah. The righteous soul of a goodbeliever
returns to its Lord "well pleased and well pleasing": (To the righteoussoul will be
said:)“ 0 (thou) soul, in (complete) rest and satisfaction!Come back thou to thy
Lord, well pleased (thyself), and well pleasing unto Him!Enter thou, then,
among my Devotees! Yea, enter thou My Heaven!”(Qur'an,89:27-30). The above
passage refers to the state of freedom and ease, to thefinal and everlasting stage of
human bliss, when the righteous soul of therighteous believer, at peace with its
Lord, certain of its way and fate, iswelcomed among those servants of Allah
chosen to enjoy this Divine grace and toreceive Allah's mercy and protection.“
Every soul shall have a taste ofdeath: and only on the Day of Judgment shall
you be paid your full recompense.Only he who is saved far from the Fire and
admitted to the Garden will havesucceeded: for the life of this world is but
goods and chattels ofdeception.”(Holy Qur'an, 3:185). The blessings of Paradise
cannot beconceived in this life, and are not, therefore, things of this world:“
Nowno person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in reserve) for
themas a reward for their (good) Deeds.”(Qur'an, 32:17). An explanation ofthis
is given in the Prophet's (Peace and blessings be upon him) traditionmentioned in
Imam Bukhari's compilation of Hadith:“ Allah says: I haveprepared for my
righteous servants that which no eye has ever seen, no ear hasever heard, and
no man's mind has ever conceived.”We read in theGlorious Qur'an about the
Garden or Gardens of everlasting bliss passages themeaning of which runs as
follows:“ Allah hath promised to Believers, menand women, Gardens under
which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautifulmansions in Gardens of
everlasting stay. But the greatest bliss is the GoodPleasure of God: That is the
supreme felicity.”(Qur'an, 9:72)“ Mydevotees! No fear shall be on you today nor
shall ye grieve Those who havebelieved in our Signs and submitted (to Us).
Enter ye the Garden, ye and yourwives, in (beauty and) rejoicing. To them will
be passed round, dishes andgoblets of gold: there will be there all that the souls
could desire, all thatthe eyes could delight in: and ye shall abide therein (for
aye). Such will bethe Garden of which ye are made heirs for your (good) deeds
(in life). Ye shallhave therein abundance of fruit, from which ye shall
eat.”(Qur'an,43:68-73) What for sinners and disobedient criminals?“ The Sinners
willin the Punishment of Hell, to dwell therein (for aye): No wise will
the(punishment) be lightened for them, and in despair will they be
thereoverwhelmed. No wise shall We be unjust to them: but it is they who have
beenunjust themselves.”(Qur'an, 43:74-76) The need to discuss this subjectof
"happiness" has arisen as a result of various reasons some of which may
besummed as follows:
 (1) People could belong to different religious denominations, or schools
ofthought, could have different feelings, wishes and aspirations, yet they
areapparently in total agreement about the pursuit of one goal in their life
thatis happiness. This is true of all persons believers and non-believers,
rulersand ruled, rich and poor, they all toil to achieve happiness.
(2)Notwithstanding the consensus of all human beings on seeking
happiness, it ishowever, surprising how different individuals and different
groups of peoplehave chosen and defined for themselves differing ways
and avenues to achievethis common goal. And in so doing a large number
of them seem to have missed theproper avenues to this goal and have
consequently failed to achieve anyhappiness throughout their lives but
only have succeeded in attaining what canbe termed as 'illusory" and
"transitory" happiness as opposed to "real" and"permanent" happiness.
Hence, the attempt in this book to redirect these peopleto the proper
course of action to be able to achieve the sought after happiness.The
above, as well as many other reasons, have led to our discussion of
thisimportant subject with a sincere hope that this treatise would prove of
help tomany who are earnestly searching for real happiness.

Definition of happiness

What Is Happiness?

According to Webster's Third NewInternational Dictionary, happiness is a state of

well-being characterized byrelative permanence, by dominantly agreeable emotion
ranging in value from merecontentment to deep and intense joy in living, and by a natural
desire for itscontinuation. "In the distinction between this term and its synonyms
(i.e.,felicity, beatitude, blessedness, bliss), it defines HAPPINESS as the generalterm
denoting enjoyment of or pleasure able satisfaction in well-being,security, or fulfillment
of wishes. FELICITY, a more bookish or elevated word,may denote a higher, more
lasting, or more perfect happiness. BEATITUDE refersin this sense to the highest
happiness, the felicity of the blessed. BLESSEDNESSsuggests the deep joy of pure
affection or of acceptance by God. BLISS may applyto a complete and assured felicity."

Some students ofeducation and psychology define HAPPINESS as the continued feeling
or state ofdelight, contentment, and joy emanating from the permanent sense ofself-
goodness, goodness of life and goodness of man's destiny.
 Sources of happiness

Different individuals and groups of peoplemay have different ideas with regard to
the best ways of achieving happiness.However, there are several theories and
speculations which many a people shareas constituting the main sources of happiness.
These may be classified asfollows:

(1) Wealth.
(2) Rank and position.
(3) Educational achievements(Academic and Honorary Degrees).
(4) Fame (i.e., in politics, arts, sports,science, etc.).

Happiness in wealth

Wealth is, probably, the element mostlyassociated, if not synonymous, with

happiness as many people think. Thisunderstanding so deep-rooted in the hearts of so
many, to the extent that almosteverywhere people are engrossed in the acquisition of
wealth. They look towardswealth as the primal constituent of happiness to the point that
for them the twoare entwined.

How happy are those men and women who ownbusiness empires, wide expanses of land
and estates, large bank deposits, etc?

Many indeed are those people who own millions or evenbillions but are suffering from
an almost permanent lack of peace of mind as aresult of the fear they have over their
wealth the fear of, say, politicalturmoil's, market movements, wars, plunders, theft, etc.
And not only does suchfear lead to sleepless nights for these people but even tensions,
mentalanguish, heart attacks and deaths. Very often one comes across reports in themedia
such as the following:

* Fortunes lost and lives follow in financial market crash …..!

* A Tokyotrader shot himself after apparently losing money in the stock market..!
*Australia's richest man was rushed to hospital in serious condition, Sunday,after
suffering a heart attack....!
Understanding and acceptingthat happiness has nothing to do with amassment of wealth
is perhaps the mostliberating realization we can ever come to.

Ample materialis readily available from the lives of many people to prove our dictum
"wealthis not equal to happiness".
 Qaarun

Qarun's (Kora) story serves as a typicalexample of opulent people whose wealth

infused them with pride and arrogance andmade them forget the role of wealth in mans
life. Wealth should be used for theachievement of the welfare of man and his society in
accordance with the willand commandments of Almighty Allah, Who has granted man his
existence,faculties, powers, sustenance and resources.

His story istold in the Holy Qur'an:“ Such were the treasure We had bestowed on
him,that their very keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men. Behold,his
people said to him: Exult not, for Allah loveth not those who exult (inriches).”(Qur'an,
28:76) Then,“ So he went forth among his peoplein the (pride of his wordly)
glitter.”(Qur'an, 28:79).

When he was in the heyday of his glory, worldly peopleenvied him and thought how
happy they would be if only they were in his place.

But wise people were not dazzled by Qaarun's fabulouswealth, because they realized the
transient nature of worldly treasures and theywere certain that the true wealth is the
reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) forthose who believe and work righteousness. (Vide the
Qur'an, 28:80)

Qaarun lived ostentatiously and appeared to many of hispeople“ a lord of mighty good
fortune.”They admired his gloriousappearance but forgot his reality. All this was 'illusory
happiness' or, atleast, transient happiness, just like a dream or a movie.

What was the end? What happened to all that pomp, wealth, pride and arrogance?“ Then,
We caused the earth to swallow up him and his house; and he hadnot (the least little)
party to help him against Allah, nor could he defendhimself.”(Qur'an 28:81).

Christina Onassis

Here lies another eventful story whichproved beyond doubt that wealth, whatever
the amount one holds, cannot by itselfbe the basis for the achievement of real happiness!
Here is the story which foryears dominated the minds of writers, reporters and newsmen,
as well as thepages of newspapers, books and magazines! This is the story of Christina
Onassisdaughter of the famous Greek tycoon, Aristotle Onassis who owned fleets of
shipsand aeroplanes, lakes and islands, real estates, huge bank deposits, etc.Following the
death of her father, Christina was the only one left behind as thelegal heiress to the vast
resources of her father besides her late father'ssecond wife Jacqueline Kennedy. The
enormous liquid inheritances were to thetune of billions of dollars besides the immovable
properties, thefleet of shipsand aeroplanes, lakes and islands, real estates, large bank
deposits, etc 'Whatan inheritance that was! Certainly, to the judgment, reasoning, feelings
andstandards of most people, someone inheriting such a huge fortune should be
thehappiest person on earth but was this true for Christina? The answer to thisquestion
can only be arrived at after going through the following pages whichbriefly explain the
known course of her life.

Christina gotmarried to an American during her father's lifetime; but only a few
monthsthereafter the marriage broke up and ended up in divorce. After the death of
herfather, she got married to a Greek for the second time but their marriage lastedonly a
few months, if not weeks, before it was all over!

Christina stayed out of marriage for quite some time apparently looking for ahappy life
outside the marriage bond. However, that happiness did notmaterialize and, after a few
years had elapsed, she felt like flying to find alife of happiness under the marriage bond
once again. This time her choice for ahusband was from a completely different camp
from communist Russia! To many whoknew her free style western life, this step, indeed,
became an interesting, ifnot perturbing or excruciating experience. And when once asked
by a pressman ofthis move, she had a ready answer which was simple, short, but frank: "I
amsearching for happiness".

Of course, her two previousmarriages were with men from the West; and since they both
failed, she thoughtthat she could "discover" some happiness in the East. But here too she
was onlytrying out her luck with no guarantees. When pressmen interviewed her for
asecond time her unchanged reply was: "I am searching for happiness..!"

But was she really happy about her marriage in Russia?Never! She hardly remained with
the Russian for more than a year before sheeventually divorced him!

Apparently, that was not the end ofthe marriage "dilemma". Back in Europe she decided
to give it one more final trythis time with a French industrialist, the fourth husband from
a fourthdifferent country in hardly a period of two years! What a miserable andunsecured
life it has been. It was during one of those occasions at a partyrelating to this last
marriage that a pressman asked her whether she was therichest woman and her frank
reply went as follows: Yes! I am the richest womanbut the unhappiest....

The marriage with the Frenchindustrialist went ahead as planned but it took only a few
months to existbefore it was all gone!

Having failed to achieve happinessunder marriage life, Christina vowed not to marry
again and endeavored toachieve happiness "on her own". However, happiness was
impossible for her evenon her own and she spent the rest of her life in a desperate manner
full offrustrations and disappointments and of frenzy travels between the world's
majorcities until, finally, she was found lying dead inside a hotel in Argentina. Whokilled
her? She committed suicide! What an unhappy ending for a very, verywealthy lady!

Was her wealth able to buy her happiness?

NEVER, INDEED!!!!!!!
 Happiness In Rank And Position

Could real happiness be attained throughthe acquirement of high rank or position

in society? To many the answer is inthe affirmative. This is apparently due to lack of deep
insight in the nature ofrank or position and the responsibilities which they involve. In
Islam, holdingany position, rank or office is first and foremost regarded as a trust
and,therefore, constitutes an obligation, and a legal as well as moralresponsibility.
Therefore, those to be entrusted with such roles could only becitizens who are possessed
of unquestionable competence, integrity and virtue.Only a righteous and competent
person can shoulder responsibility and use hisposition or office for public welfare.

Such a person wouldbe able to dispense justice based on moral value and promote
soundadministration. He would promote and enhance the well-being of his people
byhandling their affairs in a manner that is in accordance with public interest.In return, he
would earn his people's obedience, support, loyalty andcooperation. Thus, he would love
doing his job because ultimately he would beblessed with joy, happiness, contentment
and satisfaction.

However, any person who is entrusted with authority over others and does notconduct his
affairs on the basis of justice and moral standards, woulddefinitely be responsible for
maladministration. His position would only be asource of misery and corruption with
issues such as the following:

* Loss of public confidence.

* Rift between the ruler and the ruled.
*Tension fear and insecurity of life and position on the part of the ruler.
*The ruler's internal restlessness arid agonies of conscience.
* Upsurge ofenemies and oppositions from amongst the ruled.
* Ruler going to greatlengths to protect his position at times at any cost, even if
that may mean theshedding of blood.
* Public revolt.
* Coups d'etat.
*Assassinations.
Hardly does a year pass by around the worldwithout closing with the news of miserable
falls, overthrows and/orassassinations of unwanted rulers, kings, emperors, premiers,
presidents, etc.Recent cases include the following subsections.

The Shah of Iran

The Shah of Iran who once organized aninternational ceremony to commemorate

the passing of 2500 years since the birthof the "Persian state"!

But when the end came it was heavy.He was chased" out of his country by a massive
public revolt and spent the restof his life "wandering" from one country to another until
he eventually died amiserable death in Egypt as a result of a chronic cancer.

Ferdinand Marcos

The man who for 20 years literally "owned"the Philippines and ruled it as if it
were a "family enterprise", came to aterrible end. He was "thrown" out of his country by
the masses and spent severalyears thereafter in exile in various "hideouts" under tight
security for fear ofbeing murdered.

Jean Bedel Bokassa, the self-proclaimed "Emperor" of the Republic of Central

Africa

Here was a man who spent for his coronationmore than his country's total gross
national product. He was later toppled byhis countrymen and at present he is serving a
life-imprisonment sentence.

Nicolae Ceausescu

The man dwelt in a palace built in "puregold" for a period of more than 20 years
as the "Owner" of Romania! To suppressa public revolt he used tanks and artillery so that
by the end of the revolution64,000 people were reported to have been killed in the cities.
He was latercaught while trying to escape out of his country and was "slaughtered"
beforethe eyes of the public!

Rajiv Gandhi

He was assassinated in public and closedthe chapter of an unpopular dynasty. The

list is in-exhaustive It is a wonder,however, how all evil men have much in common but
the sure end of all evil isevil!

Educational Achievements (Academic And Honorary Degrees)

Then, where is happiness? Is it inobtaining the highest level of education and in

earning doctorate degrees?

It is true that Islam not only encourages but also requiresman to seek knowledge and live
in the light of learning. Islam is a way of lifebased on knowledge and not on superstition.
Prophets are the sources of divineknowledge, and the first divine revelation to Prophet
Muhammad (peace be uponhim) begins with the word“ IQRA”meaning "READ". In that
samerevelation, Allah, (Glory be to Him) tells mankind that He (Allah) taught man“ with
the pen”and taught man“ what he did notknow”.

Much emphasis is placed in Islam on the needfor excellent learning, that in the Holy
Qur'an, Allah, Glory be to Him, teachesmankind the following supplications:“ ….and
say 0 my Lord, advance me inknowledge”(Qur'an, 22:114).

In another verse of theholy Qur'an, Allah tells mankind:“ ….. those truly fear Allah
among Hisservants who have knowledge”(Qur'an, 35:28).

Yet, inanother verse of the Holy Qur'an, Allah questions mankind:“ ….. are theyequal,
those who know and those who do not know?”(Qur'an, 39:9).

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also left behind manyauthentic sayings and
teachings in this regard emphasizing the importance andsuperiority of knowledge. In one
of these sayings, the Prophet (peace be uponhim) said that seeking knowledge is every
Muslim's duty.

Such is the concept of Islam with regard to learning that it leaves wide openall fields of
thought before the human intellect to penetrate as far as it couldreach. It frees, and lays
down no restrictions against, the free-thinker whoseeks knowledge to widen his vision
and broaden his mind. However, suchintellectual development is not and could not be
pursued as an absoluteobjective in itself. It could not be independent but would remain
throughout onthe plane of faith with the moral values based on the true religion of
Allah,that is Islam.

It is only by doing so that a personsintellect gets a complete "nourishment" and his

intellectual life becomesenriched so as to be constructive and useful. It is only by such
integration ofthe intellectual and the spiritual values that the person's internal
naturebecomes sound, healthy and happy. However, if knowledge and scientific
researchare taken as an end in themselves at the cost of faith, moral and spiritualvalues,
then even the most learned man would "unhappily" be regressed to "thelowest of the low"
despite any qualifications, degrees, credentials and honorshe may have possessed. While
advancement in knowledge and science alone may workwell when it comes to the
treatment of matter, yet, it could not be taken asconclusive.

Very frequently one comes across press reportssuch as the following: "A college
PROFESSOR was jailed after he was accused ofkidnapping a woman and holding her in
a closet for two weeks for his pleasurethe charge carries a 10 to 99 year prison sentence
he admitted to thecharge....".

"A Standard University LECTURER fired forcarrying drugs on campus, yet he said that
he will fight his dismissal but wouldnot change his ways. He added; 'that is my right as
long as I do not hurtanybody else....".

"A male top Washington LAWYER and hisbusinessman lover filed a potential landmark
lawsuit, trying to become the firsthomosexuals to get married legally in the United
States....".

"Stanford Medical School President has brought disciplinarycharges of sexual

harassment and professional misconduct against a malecardiology PROFESSOR. The
charges are based on complaints of two female medicalstudents there....".

"Two DOCTORS were fined and givenprison sentences yesterday for performing a sex-
change operation on a patient He(the sex-change victim) filed a complaint in 1984
asserting that the operationhad not been successful and that he was in constant pain. Four
years later hecommitted suicide".

A WOMAN DOCTOR cries out saying: "Takeaway my certificate and give me a

husband. Let us read what that poor womandoctor writes in her own words: Every
morning at 7:00 o'clock, I shed tearsbehind the chauffeur who droved me in my car to my
medical clinic prison cell or'grave'. She goes on saying: Every time I reached my
destination, I found womenand children waiting for me. They looked at me with
admiration and regarded mywhite coat as if it were a luxurious kind of clothes made of
Persian silk, yetit was to my view the mourner's clothes. And every time I reached my
clinic, Ifixed the stethoscope, as if it were a hangman's rope tied around my neck. Now,I
am in my thirties and I am very pessimistic about the future. Then, she criesout! Take
away my certificate, my coats and my money and let me hear the wordMUM. Then she
writes a few lines describing her inner feelings: People wouldcall me a doctor, but what
benefit do I get from hearing it? So, tell thosepeople who considered me as a good
example, that now I am to be pitied. All Iwant and hope for is to have my own child to
hug and caress. But, can I buy itwith all my Money?"

Just look at what happens to the womandoctor. How she describes her everyday agony
and how she thinks of her medicalas a prison cell and a grave. In short, does she enjoy
her profession? Does sheget any level of satisfaction and contentment in life? The answer
is left to thereader.

Happiness In Fame

There are two activities with which fame isusually associated:

* Sporting.
* Acting.
How much happiness do the"famous" men and women in activities enjoy? Let us take a
brief look at each ofthese two activities in turn.
 Sporting

It is gratifying to note that most of theIslamic forms of worship, e.g. prayers,

fasting and pilgrimage, display somesporting characteristics, although they are basically
by nature meant forspiritual purposes. But who would deny the constant interaction
between thephysique and morale of man? Yet, that is not all that Islam has to say in
thesubject of sports and physical exercises. Islam encourages any sporting activitythat
promotes sound thinking or refreshes the mind and revitalizes the body tokeep man in
healthy shape. The general Islamic precept in this matter is thestatement in which the
Prophet (Peace be upon him) says:“ The strongbeliever is better than the weak One”.
(Reported by Imam Ahmad, Muslimand Ibn Majah on the authority of Abu Huraira).

Physicalexercises and sporting activities are valuable things in themselves, but

theyshould only be taken for what they are worth,i.e., to prepare our minds andbodies for
the more serious matters of life. They should not be taken as an endin themselves or be
allowed to deflect away our minds or blur our visions toappreciate the more serious
requirements of our inner lives.

Sporting has almost become a sort of a "religion" for sportsmen, 'it runs intheir blood'!

Therefore, if sports are carried to such anextreme, one could not fail to realize the kind of
"suffering" to which such menand women lead their lives. Thus:

* The internal feelings and pressures to win over, say, a particular gameand at
times at any cost, even tat may mean taking prohibited drugs.
* The"big blow" upon losing a game; the despair, the embarrassment, the agony,
theshame and the ridicule from the "fans".
* The loss of job, quitting from theteam after losing a game or, worse, being fired!
Therefore,we need to ask the question whether or not a life exposed to such
physicaldanger, ordeal and shortcomings is a happy one? The answer is left to you,
thereader....!

The sports media is full of stories such as thefollowing: Sports activities proved
dangerous with basketball injuries aloneaccounting for more than 640,000 hospital visits
last year, new U.S. safetyfigures show:

"Three football playing veterans died of heartattacks during an international golden

oldies....".

"Liverpool's Mcmahon broke his leg in a tackle during the F.A. cup clashyesterday...".

"Cuban running star, Ana Quirot, says sheplans to quit from sports after the 1992
Barcelona Olympics because she wants tobecome a mother I've been running for 15 years
and I want to be a mother now".
 "Canadian sprinter, Ben Johnson, was stripped of the Olympic100meter title and world
record in Seoul after testing positive for Steroiddrugs....".

"U.S. shot-putter, Jim Doehring, ranked third inthe world, has been suspended for two
years from the field after failing a drugtest".

There are other stories similar to these which wecould reproduce here in support of our
argument, but for the sake of time andspace let us have a look at just one more case
without which I could not havedone justice to a subject discussing men, sports, fame and
happiness. This wasthe story of Diego Maradona! For a time his name was everywhere;
in all mediaand literally on all commercial products and advertisements.

Football earned him "wealth' and "pride". His luxury cars were estimated to thetune of $1
million, including a Ferrari F40 worth $323,000, besides the RollsRoyce's and the
BMW's.

He was in all that and even more! Buthardly did he complete 4 years in that "fame","
wealth" and "prominence" whenthe world had to read a much more different kind of story
about him! He usedcocaine for an Italian league match! What were the consequences? He
was wantedin Italian courts for a related case of "cocaine possession". And a few
weeksafter returning to his native homeland of Argentina, he was arrested for
anotherround of cocaine possession and for supplying the drug free to others and
histreasure, including the luxury cars, were put to auction! What else? Blame,ridicule,
shame, disappointment and resentment from people of all walks, butlargely, from his
"loyal fans and particularly so, those in Italy whose angerand dismay was loud enough. In
one newspaper report, which according to a publicopinion polls, Maradona was voted
Italy's most hated man and similarly inanother report, a banner headline went as follows:
"Italians hate Maradona"claiming that he sets a bad example for the young people. Did
Diego Maradonaachieve any real happiness from his football 'profession"? The answer to
thisquestion could, of course, best be given by none other than himself and he didso.
During his "career" days he frequently used to say, "Soccer is in my bloodand I want kids
there (Argentina) to get Soccer running in their blood".However, months after his debacle
he had some different confessions to the worldwhich went as follows: "I will not play
soccer professionally again. It is anirrevocable decision...the Argentine national team is
also a closed chapter forme. I want to quit because I am sick of the pressure and the
discipline...I amnot blaming soccer but everything that surrounds soccer and I am scared
ofhaving to face a situation of that kind....I am not hiding my problems withdrugs....there
is something deeper here than simply having taken cocaine... Ifind I don't ENJOY myself
anymore...." He made mention of joy, but do theseconfessions portray him as having
experienced joy? If so, then, that is thesubject of our discussion in this treatise and that is
what we are calling"illusory", "artificial" or "fake' joy as opposed to any "abiding", "real"
and"lasting" happiness which could not be earned by "devotion" to soccer orotherwise.
Rather, it is by the understanding of the purpose of life asprescribed by Allah for us to
make it the ideal basis in pursuit of ourobjectives in this world which is the inculcation
and development of internalnourishment that would embody and infuse together the
spiritual, moral and othervirtues required Of man. Allah (Glory be to Him) said:“ Leave
alone thosewho take their way of life to be mere play and amusement and are deceived
by thelife of this world. But proclaim (to them) this (truth): that every souldelivers itself
to ruin by its own acts: it will find for itself no protector orintercessor except
Allah”(Qur'an, 6:70).

Acting

Here we specifically refer to those personsdirectly engaged in the field of

entertainment namely, film and stage actors,singers, dancers, etc. Is the world of
entertainment a source of true happiness?

Far from the common man, it is surprising how many peoplestill equate happiness with
fun. The truth of the matter, however, is that funand happiness have little or nothing in
common. The correct and logicalconclusion would be that fun is what we experience
during an act, whilehappiness is what we experience after an act. It is a deeper, more
enduring,more meaningful and more abiding emotion. Going to an amusement park or to
aball game, watching a movie or television are fun activities that "may" helpsomeone to
relax. One may temporarily forget his problems and even may laugh.But these are things
which do not and could not definitely bring any realhappiness to the person because their
positive effects usually last only as longas the fun lasts.

A much deeper analysis into the matter isachieved when we envisage and look into fun
and entertainment around us. I couldnot help the thought that if these movie, TV, music
and theatre "stars" hadanything to demonstrate, it is that happiness has nothing to do with
fun. It isa fact that these individuals have constant access to abundant wealth,
glamorousparties, fancy cars, expensive homes and everything that "seems to
spellhappiness'. However, memoir after memoir with so much information is
exposedabout these "celebrities' unveiling the sorrow hidden beneath all their fune.g.,
depression, alcoholism, drug addiction, children out of wedlock, brokenmarriages,
troubled children, illicit relations, loneliness, mental anguish,ignominy, etc. Could there
be a way to deny all these facts? ? Hardly does a daypass by without coming across some
stories in the media such as the following:"Elizabeth Taylor, who was once considered to
be one of the legends of filmmakers and film viewers, again at the age of 59 got married
for the seventh timeto Larry Fortensky, 39 years old, a construction worker. She said after
themarriage ceremony I hope this is for life'. Like most celebrities, she isapparently still
looking for happiness which her fame failed to provide for herduring the peak of her
career. But now she wants to evade her fame" whichdeprived her of true happiness. She
added: 'I've done everything I can to giveme up'....

A pathologist who helped perform the autopsy onElvis Presly says the king of rock n roll
died of DRUGS and not heartdisease....'it was a deadly mix of drugs that killed him...."

"Twice-divorced Dyan Cannon says: 'I'll keep on tryingmarriage until I get it right'. The
54 year-old actress said in the March 10issue of Parade magazine that her first divorce
from the late, Cary Grant, wasnot amicable..."
"Soul legend, James Brown, was grantedparole, Wednesday, after being imprisoned for
more than two years for assaultand drug use...."

"Screen siren, Kim Basinger, says she canbe wild without drugs and alcohol. The 37
years old actress admits in theFebruary issue of Cosmopolitan magazine in New York that
she's done a lot ofwild things, including drugs and plenty of partying. 'When I came to
LosAngeles, I said I want to take every thing; I want to try it all'...(Basinger)said she
would like to marry again.. She was married for eight years to make-upartist Ron Briton.
They were divorced in 1989".

"TVcomedian, Jamie Lee Curtis, says she doesn't like the kind of personal demandplaced
on some women actresses in the acting career, Many of them have nochildren. I wouldn't
want those kinds of demands placed on my life....".

"Cheyenne Brando, the 20year old daughter of actor MarlonBrando arrived in Paris on
Tuesday for mental treatment following two suicideattempts last year after the highly
publicized killing of her father....".

"Actor-singer, Larry Kert, died Wednesday night ofAIDS....".

"Pop singer, Billy Preston, was arrested at hisMalibu home Sunday after a I6 year old
boy complained that he bad been sexuallyassaulted by the singer...."

The list is inexhaustible andthat is the life rampant in the entertainment and fun industry.
Do these cases,therefore, portray the lives of men and women enjoying any sort of
realhappiness? NEVER! INDEED.

Yet, people continue to believethat the next, more glamorous party, more expensive car,
more luxuriousvacation, fancier home would do what all the other parties; cars, vacations
andhomes have not been able to do. The way people are inclined to believe that afun-
filled, pain-free and carefree life is equal to happiness actuallydiminishes their chances of
ever attaining true happiness.

While discussing fun and entertainment a subject matter which, we feel, must notgo
unmentioned is the product which these men and Women of stage and screen havefor
their "fans" and "Viewers" the substance, the quality, the values and theeffects on popular
culture and standards And in this regard, we have reproduced,here below, some excerpts
from two thought provoking articles from someinternational U.S. Publications discussing
different aspects of the problem.

The writers of the reports were, of course, discussing theextent and seriousness of the
matter with reference to and in the context of theU.S., but the problem is global and all
over.
 Two Articles (Excerpts)

Article one byMICHAELMEDVED:

The value of self-discipline so essential tonormal family life is portrayed only rarely in
the popular culture. Nearlytwo-thirds of all American adults are married, but movies
today focusoverwhelmingly big on single people. And those few flints that do show a
familymost often depict a marriage that is radically dysfunctional (completelyabnormal)
with a husband accused of attempting to murder his wife (as inReversal of Fortune) or a
wife sleeping with her husband's female friend (as inHenry&June) or the married pair
killing each other (as in The War of theRoses). When I complained about the destructive
product of the entertainmentindustry, colleagues urged me to stop worrying; it's a simple
matter to tuneout. An incident last spring reminded me it was not so easy to do that.
Myfamily and I went on an outing to a public park on a mountain lake near SantaBarbara,
California. Our daughters, ages one and three, went toddling off towardthe ducks. The
one year-old was saying, "Duckie! Duckie!" one of her first wordsand reaching out to the
birds with her chubby arms. My wife and I looked on withsatisfaction.

But soon a group of teenagers carrying a 'boombox' arrived at the lake shore.

Coming out of their shinychrome machine was a rape song full of four-letter words
describing rape andfeces and oral volume. Our girls had never heard those particular
words before.

They were frightened by the noise and started to cry. Isuppose we could have stayed and
made a scene, but I don't carry assault weaponsin my trunk. Instead we abandoned the
beautiful scene to those brutish kids.

The point is that you can't just tune out the popularculture today. The messages, the
images, are everywhere. Is it a coincidencethat the war on standards in art, music,
television and film corresponds withincreasingly destructive behavior on the part of the
young people who are themost devoted consumers of these media? Is there no connection
between themedia's obsession with crime and violence and the fact that the number of
kidsunder 19 who are arrested has increased by 120 percent since l963? Is there
noconnection between the sex-crazed popular culture and the fact thatout-of-wedlock
births have increased 350 percent since 1960?

Ironically, media moguls downplay the significance of their work, insisting thatsex and
violence on screen do not encourage sex and violence in real life. Butthe same industry
then turns around and asks advertisers to pay tens ofthousands of dollars for 30 seconds
of airtime in the hope that this fleetingexposure would directly alter the public's buying
behavior.

The war on standards in the popular culture would be the issue on the l990s.Expanded
censorships are not the way to win it. However, attempts to move inthat direction would
only prove to be counter-productive boycotts of sponsors,direct protests, letter-writing
campaigns and other forms of private-sectorpressures are far more effective than new
government regulations.

While we are working to prevent the further pollution of ourculture, we should do more
than protest the bad. We should also remember topromote the good which is indubitably
beneficial to us.

Article two byBOB GRENE:

Millions offamilies sat down in their living rooms one evening last August to watch a
liveMadonna concert from France, telecasted on the cable network Home Box
Office(HBO).

Since Madonna is such a huge international star, andsince the telecast was heavily
promoted and aired in prime time on a weekend,millions of children certainty watched
with their parents.

What happened on all those screens was that Madonna repeatedly used the oneobscene
word that has been routinely barred from the public airways. Later inthe show she
writhed on a bed and simulated masturbation. She also laughinglyused common street
terms for male genitals.

We live in ananything-goes-age, so that shows witless, and purposely vulgar content was
notsurprising. The language itself was nothing that has not been heard in movies oron
cable TV comedy specials. The surprising thing was that so few parents calledHBO to
object. A spokesperson for the network said the complaints "were not byany stretch of the
imagination overwhelming" and that the Madonna concert wasthe highest rated original
entertainment program in the network's history.Apparently, America's parents have totally
given up hope that they could controlwhat their children are exposed to on TV.

What is mostdisturbing is that products appeared in Americas homes during prime time
on aSunday, and people seemed to think it was no big deal. The television, in a waythat
now seems quaint, was once considered almost sacred ground when it came tocertain
material precisely because children were watching. But the country hasbeen so beaten
down by a lessening of public standards that obscenities could betelecasted to millions of
families without causing even a ripple of protest.What of the argument that parents
should just turn off the TV if they don't likethe programming?

It's valid but there was no warning beforeMadonna launched into her first rapid fire
round of obscenities. Although thetelecast was promoted as being live, it actually was
taped hours before. Thenetwork knew what it was sending out. Yet it did so without
deletions or anadvisory notice at the beginning of the show. This was "a creative
decision,"HBO says.
 HBO, as a cable network, is not bound by the samerestrictions placed on the over the air
networks. But this nicely is undoubtedlylost on children who have grown up with cable
TV in their homes. To them, HBO isjust another stop on the dial.

Those children would hearworse in their lifetimes they probably already have. To
telecast a concert likeMadonna's is no longer considered particularly controversial. But to
wonderpublicly about the wisdom of it to say that delivering such a performance to
thenation's children is wrong that is considered controversial. To say it is wrongis to seem
am of step with the rest of the world. But it is wrong. It is deadwrong.

The cry is loud but are there listeners? So, the menand women of fun and entertainment
industry do not enjoy real happiness, nor dothey present valuable things to the society,
but most of what they produce aredestructive materials. As mentioned several times
during the discussion,happiness is an inner motive and a goal which could not be
acquired alone by themere fulfilment of external or material needs. Enrichment and
nourishment of ourinner being make an essential requirement to a morally sound
development ofourselves.

The foregoing stones and examples prove one thingin common: that true happiness does
not emanate from wealth fame, academicdegrees and titles, high rank or Position in
society. What are therefore, thosefactors that many constitute sources of both physical
arid spiritual well beingfor man? Where does happiness originate? And what are the
qualities of those whoare truly happy?

Before answering these questions, let usfirst discuss in brief the barriers to real
happiness.

Barriers To Real Happiness

Disbelief In Allah And Lack Of The True Faith

Since the true faith fills the heart withcomfort, security, reassurance and
contentment, and makes man feel that he has astrong relationship with Almighty Allah,
Who alone is the Creator of man andeverything visible and invisible and knows best what
achieves man's well-beingand happiness. Therefore, one of the biggest barriers to real
happiness both inthis world and the Hereafter is the rejection of Allah's true religion
(i.e.,Islam).

Those who lack correct belief and stray from DivineGuidance revealed to mankind
through the Universal and Last Messenger of Allah,Muhammad, will suffer from spiritual
void and deprive themselves from realsalvation and mercy:“ Those whom God (in His
Plan) willeth to guide, Heopeneth their breast to Islam; those whom He willeth to leave
straying, Hemaketh their breast close and constricted, as if they had to climb up to
theskies: thus doth Allah lay abomination on those who refuse to follow His code
oflife, that is Islam....”(Qur'an, 6:125).

Sin and Crime

Man has not realized well the seriousconsequences of sin as their effects
generally have no cure. Sins and crimes arebarriers to real happiness. Therefore, a
criminal is always more unhappy thanhis victim, for a criminal who is not punished could
be among the most miserablepeople.

Envy and Jealousy

Envy and jealousy are sources ofdissatisfaction and self-torture for people.
Therefore, we are advised in theHoly Qur'an to seek refuge from the serious effects of
such kinds of malignantsocial evils. In chapter 113 of the Holy Qur'an, we are advised to
seek refugein Allah“ from the mischief of the envious one as he practicesenvy....”. Both
envy and jealousy, when translated into action, lead tothe destruction of happiness and
deprive people of the good things they enjoy.The best refuge from evil is trust in Allah
along along with putty of heart.

Ill-will

True believers are described in the HolyQur'an, verse 10 of chapter 59, as saying
when they pray to Allah:“ Andleave not, in our hearts, rancor (or sense of injury)
against those who havebelieved....”. Ill-will and rancor are barriers to the happiness of
man.In fact, ill-will is contrary to happiness; it belongs to a different domain onhuman
feelings. It is like a virus that kills the lofty sentiments and kindfeelings of man.

Anger

Anger connotes displeasure and hostility.Therefore, it is one of the biggest threats

that spoil man's happiness. ProphetMuhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him),
stressed the importance ofself-restraint when he advised one of his companions“ Do not
beoverpowered by anger...”.

Injustice

Injustice, no doubt will bring ruin toeverybody who practices it. This is proven
by many examples that served aswarnings and lessons to humanity to shun this dangerous
vice and maintainjustice and equality. Injustice may signify the trespassing and going
beyondlimits; it may also signify the misplacement of things or denial of truth. Inthis
context, incorrect concepts on divinity, such as polytheism, idolatry andfalse worship, air
one of the forms of injustice as it is a distortion of truereligion and trespassing against
divine commands. The following verse from theHoly Qur'an illustrates this point:“
Behold, Luqman said to his son by wayof instruction: 0 my son! Join not in worship
(others) with Allah: for falseworship is indeed the highest wrongdoing...,”(Qur'an,
31:13).

Many a nation backed up, or refrained from resisting, unjusttyrants and wrongdoers and
brought thereby upon themselves devastation andperdition.

The following quotation from the sayings of theProphet (Peace and blessings be upon
him) testifies to this proven fact veryoften noticed in human life. Abu Musa AlAsh'ari, a
companion of Prophet Muhammad(Peace and blessings be upon him), related that the
Prophet said (as narrated byimams Bukhari and Muslim):“ Allah may give a wrongdoing
tyrant respite,and thereafter when He punishes him, He never lets him escape. Then,
he recitedthis Qur'anic Verse: Such is the chastisement of thy Lord when He
chastisescommunities in the midst of their wrong: Grievous, indeed, and severe is
Hischastisement”(Qur'an, 11:102).

In another verse fromthe Holy Qur'an, it is stated:“ And how many populations did I
giverespite, which were given to wrongdoing? In the end I punished them. To Me isthe
destination (of all)”(Qur'an, 22:48).

Fear of Worldly Power

Fear of other than Allah is the cause ofhumility, insecurity and unhappiness.
Whereas, fear of Allah produces in manlofty ideals and drives him to develop sound
conduct and excellent moralbehavior. It frees him from all fetters of human bondage and
safeguards hisdignity and freedom of will. Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:“ It is onlythe
Satan that suggests to you the fear of his votaries: be you not afraid ofthem, but fear
me, if you are true believers”(Qur'an, 3:175).

Pessimism

Pessimism is synonymous with misery andtrouble. It leads to a stage of inertia

and depression. A pessimistic personwould hold back from enjoying his normal life or
achieving his objectives.Therefore, the Gracious Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon
him) promoted andliked optimism but discouraged and disliked pessimism. A pessimist,
due to hisdefeatist tendencies, incurs several troubles and difficulties the effects ofwhich
on his nerves are far heavier than dilemmas and disasters.

Suspicion
 Allah (Glory be to Him) states in the HolyQur'an:“ 0 ye who believe! Shun
suspicion as much (as possible): forsuspicion in some cases is a sin....”(Qur'an, 49:12).
Prophet Muhammad(Peace and blessings be upon him) also says:“ Shun suspicion,
becausesuspicion is the biggest lie”(Narrated by Imams Bukhari and Muslim). Howcan a
suspicious person be happy? And how can a society pervaded by suspicionand mistrust
prosper or lead a collective life of happiness.

Arrogance

An arrogant person leads a life of miseryeven though he treats other people

rudely and boastfully without due regard toestablished norms of moral conduct. He
oppresses them or turns his cheek inscorn toward them but he is definitely haunted with
guilty conscience whichmakes his life miserable.“ Turn not thy cheek in scorn toward
folk, norwalk with pertness in the land. Lo! Allah loveth not each
braggartboaster”(Qur'an, 31:18).

Prophet Muhammad (Peace andblessings be upon him) gave his advice in this regard
when he said:“ Onthe Day of Judgment Allah will not look towards him who trails his
lower garmentout of pride”(Hadith narrated by imams Bukhari and Muslim).

Devotion to other than Allah

It is a part of man's character to love andhate, but carrying the passions of love
and hate to extremes is precarious. Takefor example the story of Romeo and Juliet in
English Literature or Qays andLayla in Arabic Literature. Qays, who was known in the
story as Layla's madlover, had suffered tremendously from this love until he lost his
senses andlater died in a wretched piteous state. When your heart is wholly devoted
toyour Creator (Allah), your love is holy and you thereby enjoy an elevatedemotion
which fills your heart with peace and happiness. This kind of emotion isnot in
contradiction with love for parents, wife or children. In fact, they areharmonious and
complementary. But, extreme emotions, when not controlled byreason or logic, are in fact
detrimental to our life and happiness.

Alcohol. Drugs and Drug Addiction

Many people imagine that happiness can beattained through alcohol or drug
addiction. Therefore, they resort to drugsescaping thereby from the troubles and worries
of life. In fact, they are likeone who escapes from a small fire to a hell, Drugs may throw
one, for a shortwhile, into a dreamy illusive world of happiness; but in fact they lead both
todisintegration and destruction. We nowadays witness many examples of such
socialdisintegration and chaos due to the worldwide surge of drug addiction besidesother
causes related to corruption and the absence of real religious sanctionsand sound creed.
 Land Marks On The Way To Happy Life (The Factors & Prerequisites Of
Happiness)

Sound Belief

To build a happy life, you have to firstlay a solid foundation for it, otherwise, it
will subside. Therefore, we shouldseek such a solid unshakeable foundation on which we
could build our wholesomelife. There must be also a scheme by which the course of our
life is to beguided and controlled.

Man possesses impulses, drives,feelings, desires and whims which may influence his
character and way of life.He is endowed with the ability to think, reason and perceive so
that he could beable to control his will and emotions and direct himself into the course
ofaction he believes to be suitable However, man's mind and emotions may lapse andlead
him away from the right path. lute may stray unknowingly from the way tosuccess and
happiness and take the course to chaos and misery, thereby bringingsuffering and
destruction upon himself arid upon others.

Hence tile necessity for man to achieve a profound understanding of the DivineGuidance
which leads his way to the plain truth about his existence in thisworld, his relation to the
universe and to other creatures, the purpose of hiscreation, how he has come into
existence, the Divine Will that controls him anddirects his life, and the correct course and
way that leads him to salvation andreal happiness.

Islam is the last and only universalreligion and system or code of life revealed to
mankind through the last Prophet(Peace and blessings be upon him) and the only faith
with the Divine Revelationstill kept intact in its original form, unlike the earlier
revelations whichwere already lost, adulterated, interpolated changed and corrupted.
Thus, theIslamic Faith proves to be the only correct foundation for man's character
andbehavior and a mode of life necessary for building a sound and progressivesociety
characterized by justice and peace which is in harmony with Allah'swill.

If we think of the backwardness of Muslim societies,we will find that the reason for such
condition is mainly due to the deviationfrom this divine way of life. The calamities that
caused the downfall of Muslimsocieties are by no means merely due to lack of scientific
knowledge but ratherto their deviation from Islam. In fact, when Europe was going
through theso-called Dark Ages, the Islamic Nation, covering half of the world,
wasenjoying the most splendid and glorious civilization the world had ever known.

So the Islamic belief, when put into practice, leads man tothe right direction and
channels all his energies and efforts into aconstructive scheme of life. To begin with, faith
is complementary to reason.Therefore, reason is not the antithesis of faith as is the case in
some otherhuman beliefs and religions. Islamic faith helps to develop the human mind
anddoes not impose any kind of illogical concept or undue restrictions on it. Itleads man
in the way of truth since he is guided by words and commandments ofhis Creator, Who
knows what is best for him.

A basic Islamicprinciple of faith is related to harmony in this universe. Many scientists

andthinkers believe that there is a conflict between man and nature and that man
isstruggling to overcome the powers of nature. Islam corrects this shortsightednotion. It
states that everything in this world has been created to serve man,and man has been
created to serve Allah. Therefore, the relationship between manand the universe is one of
harmony and friendliness. This fact imbues man withpeace of mind, satisfaction and
happiness. It also frees his mind from worries,fears and feeling of hostility. His life would
become inspired with love, hope,optimism, contentment and happiness that would enable
him to face hardships withconfidence and right discretion.

Belief in Allah and in Hisperfect attributes would deeply influence the Muslim's
character and his wholeoutlook on life. It brings him to acquire good qualities and aim for
humanperfection. This will undoubtedly achieve, for both the individual and thesociety, a
life of ideal values and collective happiness.

Belief in the angels of Allah makes man feel that he is not alone in thisuniverse and that it
abounds with righteous friendly creatures. This would makelife pleasant for him and
enable him to achieve success and happiness.

Belief in the Day of Judgment drives man to control hisbehavior and life according to the
Divine Laws of justice and righteousness.

Without belief in this Day on which everyone will receivehis just deserts (when the
wrongdoers are justly punished and the righteous arerewarded bountifully), man would
lose the impetus to behave fairly towardsothers and the oppressed would grow hopeless
and miserable.

Belief in the Hereafter is an essential element that helps to control humandelinquency and
establish collective happiness and virtues in society.

Belief in Divine Destiny is a major element of a stable andcomposed personality. When

you submit yourself to the Divine Decree and Will andfeel positively certain that 'What
befalls you would not have missed you andwhat misses you would not have befallen
you", you would certainly grow strongerin the face of calamities, face them with patience
and courage and not succumbto them or be paralyzed with shock or despair.

Lack of suchelement of faith creates a vacuum in man's heart and life that cannot be
filledup with all the riches and pleasures of the world. It is this kind of emptinessthat
drives many, even the wealthy and the pleasure seekers of the world tocollapse or even
commit suicide.
 Worship and Devotion to Allah

“ Not for (idle) sport did We createthe heavens and the earth and all that is
between them”(Qur'an, 21:16).

So creation is not for idle sport or play, Allah has aserious purpose behind it. What is it?
Allah has revealed to us His purpose inthe Holy Qur'an:“ I have only created Jinns (i.e.,
genies) and men, thatthey may serve Me!”(Qur'an, 51:56).

Everything andeveryone in the Universe am created by Almighty Allah, and all submit to
HisWill. Have a glance at the physical world. You will find everything controlledand
directed in accordance with Divine Order and Laws. There are laws thatgovern every area
or domain of nature, such as the laws of gravity, motion,relativity, etc. These prevailing
laws testify to the fact that the universe isin total submission to its Creator, Almighty
Allah, Who has originated its laws.But man has been endowed with Free Will, a privilege
not given to the lowerforms of creation, so that his obedience to the laws of his Creator
should bemore sensible and not a kind of blind obedience like a robot following
thecommands of the computer operator.

Besides, he is alsoendowed with the faculty of thinking and reasoning so that he could be
able todecide and shoulder responsibility. Therefore, man will be able to achieve
fullharmony in his life if the intellectual and spiritual side of his charactercomes to
coincide with the physical side which is already ruled by natural orphysical laws ordained
and fulfilled by Allah Glory be to Him)!

Thus, he would abide by the Divine Law, listen to thecommandments of his Lord and
respond willingly, and worship in all humility andreverence the only true deity, Allah,
Who alone is worthy of worship.

Obedience and worship of Allah are a major and comprehensivesource of contentment

and happiness for man. On the personal level, it gives manthe feeling that he is close to
Allah and such nearness to his Lord,consequently, provides him with guidance, wisdom,
strength, confidence,steadfastness, security, joy and satisfaction. Acts of worship have
manypositive aspects in human life. In prayer, man communicates with his Lorddirectly
and establishes the most exalted relationship that infuses him withsatisfaction and peace
of mind. He feels that Allah is with him: He hears him,responds to him, accepts his
prayers and good deeds and forgives his sins.

This would elevate his spirit to perfection. He wouldcontemplate the verses of the
Glorious Qur'an that are recited and realize theirimplications as well as the general aims
of the prayer. He would be moved tocomply with their injunctions and commandments.
He would feel the power of Allahdominating him as well as the whole universe.

This wouldmake him humble and cause him to abstain from wronging or trespassing
againstothers. When he acquires such traits, he would become the epitome of love,mercy,
justice and guidance. He would become a man of good manners andrefinement, in full
control of his desires and whims. Further, he would be ableto channel all his feelings,
efforts and actions in the proper constructive way.

Prayer purifies the soul of error and the gloominess of sinsas water purifies and refreshes
the body. It refines mans character andinculcates in him the excellent virtues of
truthfulness, honesty, modesty andhumility. It keeps man away from falsehood and from
all forbidden actions andevil deeds.

On the collective level, prayer achieves for thecommunity a high degree of perfection
and leads it through the way to collectivehappiness and success, as it has realized for the
individual a feeling ofhappiness as well as consistency, dignity and integrity.

This act of worship contains many elements of success and social welfare.Congregational
prayer is, in fact, a school for social upliftment, where man canexercise order and unity,
and equality is fully realized with no traces ofdiscrimination whatsoever. Those who
perform prayer in the right way shall findtheir way to salvation, success and eternal
happiness.

Whatapplies to prayer also applies to other acts of worship which, together,contribute to

the building of spiritual, social, political, economic welfare andsolidarity.

In fact, that is the secret behind the standardof superiority achieved by the Muslim
society at the Zenith of its development,power, and prosperity.

A final word on worship as a sourceof success and happiness is that worship in Islam
includes every action a Muslimperforms only for the sake of Allah (Glory be to Him) and
in accordance with Hiscommandments. This not only covers ritual acts like prayers
performed in theMosque, fasting during the month of Ramadan or the performance of
Hajj; it alsoincludes all human activities, such as learning, training, eating,
sleeping,working to earn a living for the sustenance of the family and all
otherconstructive activities necessary for the improvement of human life. Thisprovides
the Muslim with a treasure of good deeds that contribute to therealization of an integral
and righteous character and enhances his chances ofattaining an everlasting blissful life in
the Hereafter. The following versefrom the Holy Qur'an guides man to the way of
prosperity and success:“ 0ye who believe! Do your duty to Allah, seek the means of
approach unto Him, andstrive (with might and main) in His cause: that ye may
prosper”(Qur'an,5:35).“ 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 bestowon
such their reward according to the best of their actions”(Qur'an,16:97).

Faith, if sincere, means right conduct. When thesetwo confirm each other, Allah's grace
transforms our life. Instead of beingtroubled and worried, we have peace and
contentment; instead of being assailedat every turn by false alarms and the assaults of
evil, we enjoy calm and attainpurity. The transformation is visible in this life itself, but
the "reward" interms of the Hereafter will be far beyond our deserts.
 TheProphet (Peace and blessings be upon him) said:“ Happiness, all happiness,is long
life (full) of obedience to Allah”(Narrated by Quda'i andDaylami on the authority of Ibn
Umar).

It is worthmentioning that obedience must be based on sound knowledge; for ignorance

maydistort the spirit of godliness and deprive worship of its meaning, and renderit
fruitless and almost futile.

There is a common sayingwhich runs as follows: "I do not feel that happiness consists in
the amassmentof a fortune; it is the righteous and godly who are happy!".

Remembrance Of Allah

Closely akin to the above in spiritual anddevotional aspect is the remembrance of

Allah (Glory be to Him), Lord andSustainer of the Universe. Associated with it are
supplications, prayers,celebration of Allah's praises and recitation of the Glorious Qur'an.
Havingseen the influence of faith and righteousness on man's character and life, wefind it
relevant here to cite two Qur'anic verses which combine in the samecontext the elements
of faith and righteousness with that of remembrance ofAllah:“ Those who believe, and
whose hearts find satisfaction in theremembrance of Al]ah: for without doubt in the
remembrance of Allah do heartsfind satisfaction. For those who believe and work
righteousness, is (every)blessedness and a beautiful place of (final)
return”(Qur'an,13:2829).

When man becomes conscious of the bounties and favoursbestowed by Allah upon him
and feels that his very existence, body, spirit,intellects and faculties am granted to him
out of generosity, he will naturallybe moved to celebrate his Creator's praises and be
grateful to Him. He acquiresthis satisfaction and blessedness and inward joy which is
difficult to describein words. This blessedness and satisfaction is also felt on reciting
orlistening to the words of Allah (Glory be to Him). Receiving and reading aletter from a
person you love and respect would fill your heart with comfort andhappiness which could
not compare to the level of comfort, happiness andspiritual bliss that one would feel in
the words and name of Allah (Glory be toHim).

Shunning the remembrance of Allah and His revealedmessage to humanity deprives man
of that transcendent joy and satisfaction. Itcauses constriction in the chest, a feeling of
spiritual void and depression, adesolate and desperate life full of worries, and ultimately
wrath and eternalpunishment in the Hereafter.“ But whosoever turns away from My
Message,Verily for him is a life narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on
theDay of Judgment”(Quran, 20:124).

Goodness and Kindness to Others

 This emanates from the very essence offaith.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him)said:“ All creatures are
dependants of Allah, and the most favored amongthem by Allah is the one who is most
helpful to His dependants”(Narratedby Tabarani, Abu Naeem and Bayhaqi).

Thus, active faithturns man into a mercy to himself and to others.

There aremany forms and manifestations of goodness that are based on the Muslim's
being amercy to humanity. This is represented by his natural inclination and keennessto
save other people from error and lead them to salvation. However, this canonly be
achieved if he is a real embodiment of his faith. The tendency towardskindness emanates
from human reciprocal relations; for man's delight depends onthe delight of others and
vice versa, and this reciprocity provides happinessfor both the individual and the society
as a whole.

AMuslim's goodness is not only limited to brothers in faith; but, it also extendsto cover
every being, human or otherwise.

Prophet Muhammad(Peace and blessings be upon him) said:“ Every Muslim should do
an act ofcharity. Suppose he couldn't afford that? people said. Let him work with
hishands and give out charity, he answered. Suppose he couldn't afford it? theysaid.
Let him help the grieved and needy, he answered. Suppose he couldn'tafford it, they
said. Let him do good and avoid evil, it is an act of charityfor him”(Narrated by lmam
Bukhari).

But such charitymust be based on sincerity and be free from any kind of hypocrisy, bad
intentionor ulterior motives:“ 0 ye who believe! Cancel not your charity byreminders of
your generosity or by injury”(Qur'an, 2:264).

Renunciation Of Too-Long Term Hopes And Grifs Of The Past

Many people spend most of their timeworrying about their future life and keep
regretting past mishaps. They live incontinuous worry and misery.

A good solution to this sourceof worries is to live within the limits of today. This does
not mean to neglectthe future and stop planning for it, nor does it involve failure to draw
lessonsfrom past experiences. It aims at ridding our life of obsession with futilecares that
lead us only to stress and frustrations.

According to one thinker: "We should not look forward to a goal that looks faintin the
distance; in fact, we have to complete the clear works that we have inhand".

Another says: "Life is short, we must not make itshorter by care and troubles".
 Living within the limits oftoday is consistent with the sayings of Prophet Muhammad
(Peace and blessings beupon him):“ He who is safe (in his home), healthy (in his body),
withenough provisions for the day, is like one who possesses everything in theworld”

You will possess the basic elements of happylife in this world if you acquire the
requirements of safe and happy living suchas:

1. Physical (residential, social, political and military) security;

2.Health security; and
3. Food security.
So why worry? If youlet yourself be haunted with fears and worries about the future all
the time,you will not be able to enjoy the present.

Plan for thefuture, no problem, and draw lessons from the past, but never be too
absorbed inworrying about your future life or dwell too much on your past glories
orshortcomings.

Some people underestimate the safety and peacethey enjoy. They may even scorn these
great favours and exaggerate the effectsof their misfortunes. This contempt is a denial of
reality and a major factorthat spoils the life of the individual. Happiness is relative and is
notdependent on the degree of wealth. A wealthy man who is deprived of
contentmentleads a life of misery, while a man of average or low means will lead his
lifehappily if he is Contented and has a realistic View in life. What helps man toget rid of
frets and worries is a complete trust in his Bountiful, AlmightyLord.

The Holy Quran point out the benefits of faith andtrust in Allah (Glory be to him):“ And
for him who fears Allah (andobserves his duty to Allah), He (ever) Prepares a way out,
and He provides forhim from (sources) he never could expect And whoever puts his
trust in Allah liewilt Suffice him. For Allah will surely accomplish His Purpose. Verily
for allthings has Allah appointed a due promotion”(Quran 65:2-3).

It is this kind of trust that, at once, fills one with peaceof mind and contentment along
with the realization that everything is within thePower of Allah (the Creator) and drives
One to be more optimistic about life,active and hardworking, not idle or suffering from
inertia.

Speaking of Short term hopes and aspirations, let's cite the followinginvaluable words of
the holy Prophet (Peace and blessings be Upon him):“When you pass the day and arrive
at the evening, do not expect that you willpass night and hope to reach morning, and
when you arrive in the morning do notlook forward to the evening. While in health, be
ready for illness, and whilealive, prepare for death”(Narrated by Imam Bukhari).

On the transience of human life, the Prophet (Peace and blessing be upon him)said:“ I
am in this world like a rider who halts in the shade of a treefor a short time, and after
taking some rest resumes his journey and leaves thetree behind”(Narrated by Tirmidhi).
 You wouldappreciate the real meaning of the above words if you meditate on the reality
oflife and conceive of it as a film that lasts for some time presenting a wholelife or
episode of life. The similitude of human life is as follows: Days go bylike a film and
when you grow old and took back on your past life, you review itlike watching an
exciting movie. Yet, this does not imply that man should bedistracted from leading an
active life or entertaining legitimate aspirations oflife for the future. It simply means that
you can always live your life and planfor the future with confidence and persistence, but
let everything be in yourhand and do not allow anything in the world to Possess your
heart and dominateyou like a slave. Be a master of yourself by Controlling Your desires
but notthe other way round.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessing beupon him) was quoted as saying:“ May he
perish who is the slave of Dinarand Dirham[1]of black andstriped sheets of
cloth[2]”(Reported by Imam Bukhari).

Anessential Prerequisite of happiness is the understanding of the role of man inthis world
and his position and function as a servant of Allah on the one handand a trustee of Allah
on earth on the other hand. Thus, man would be ruled andguided by divine light and
would behave with a sense of responsibility So aMuslim strives to make the best of his
time to produce for himself and otherpeople what is useful for them and to prepare
himself for the future both inthis life and in the Hereafter. Listen to this golden rule of
happiness in thewords of Allah's Messenger (Peace and blessing be upon him):“
Takeadvantage of five before five: your youth before your senility; your healthbefore
your sickness; your wealth before your poverty; your leisure before youroccupation;
and, your life before your death.”(Reported by imams Ahmad,Baihaqi and Hakim).

Youth, which is the prime of man, shouldbe used in fruitful and constructive competition
strife; health, the goldenopportunity in life, should be used for the prevention of diseases;
wealth, isalso an opportunity which must be used for protection from poverty;
leisure,which is a major problem of our contemporary world, must he treated wit a
senseof responsibility and must be used only for activities which are constructiveand
worthwhile; and, finally, the whole life is the greatest opportunity for manto make
provision for the final journey into the future world, in the Hereafterin accordance with
the Divine Will.

Preparation for the Dayof Judgment and the attainment of eternal happiness does not
involve the neglectof this worldly life. It requires the full exploitation and improvement
of ourSociety as well as the building of a lofty civilization based on the DivineGuidance
as revealed by Allah unto His Messenger, Muhammad (Peace and blessingbe upon him).

Forgetting About Pepole With Higher Standard Of Living

A major source of discontent andunhappiness is the feeling of inadequacy and

incapability, while opulent peopleenjoy the pleasures and luxury of life. The most
effective solution to such asource of uneasiness and suffering is to forget about people
with higherstandard of living; for if you compare yourself with such people you will
onlyincur misery. You would find solace when you discover that you are endowed
withmore blessings by Allah than many others. We have already been guided to
thisgolden rule given by Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) in
thefollowing words:“ Look at those inferior to you, and do not look at thosesuperior to
you. Thereby, you would be able to appreciate better the benevolenceof Allah bestowed
upon you”(Narrated by Imams Bukhari and Muslim).

On another occasion the Messenger of Allah (Peace andblessing be upon him) said:“
When any of you happens to see one on whomAllah has bestowed more riches and a
finer physique, he should look at one whois inferior to him (in this respect)”(Narrated
by Imam Bukhari).

A Muslim is generally satisfied with his lot from Allahregarding such matters which fall
outside and beyond his means and ability.This, however, does not indicate any defeatist
attitude or fatalism In itspassive denotation; rather, a Muslim exercises his free will
actively and enjoysa dynamic personality. As part of his faith, a Muslim believes in the
Day ofJudgment and in the Divine Justice which gives him relief in cases where hefinds
no way to the fulfilment of justice. After all, everything in this worldis ephemeral and
what matters is not the worldly possessions one may hold butthe right preparation for the
Hereafter, in which the faithful and guidedbeliever enters into the Eternal Abode of Bliss,
where there shall be nobitterness or misery. This fact gives him a complete consolation
and relieveshim of his suffering For he is conscious of the fact that on that day justicewill
prevail and everybody will be able to receive his due, and no one willtrespass against
him, wrong him or boast over him. This awareness helps a lot toprotect man from much
anxiety and uneasiness. In matters of religion, piety andacquisition of knowledge, we had
better look at those superior to us In gooddeeds, upright behavior and in the pursuit of
useful knowledge.

Building Of Better Understanding Of Things And Getting Rid Of Misconceptions

And Superstitions

Building of better understanding of thingsand getting rid of misconceptions and

superstitions deliver man from ignorance,illusions and baseless worries that spoil his
tranquility and happiness. On thecontrary, ignorance of realities entices people to take
wrong avenues and drawthem into troubles, ridicules and undue sufferings. Take, for
instance, the caseof a child who develops fear of certain tame animals, or the case of
some womenwho get scared of harmless creatures or even the case of some men who
arehaunted by fear of bad omens or by the belief that men are intrinsically evil.Such
notions would undoubtedly cause the individual to behave erroneously andlead a very
miserable life which may have unwelcome effects on his character andenvironment. They
may lead to the development of such abnormalities asdepression, anxiety, hallucination,
schizophrenia, neurosis, psychosis, etc.
 Achieving Harmony Within Oneself And With The Outward World

One important step on the way to happinessis to work towards harmony within
oneself and with the outward world: in thefamily, at school, in the office, in society and
more generally, in humanity.The achievement of such harmony requires the building up
of one's personality soas to become stable, confident. consistent, flexible and adaptable.
Characterbuilding could be achieved by adopting the Islamic educational system
whichhelps man to acquire a balanced and sound personality and coexist and
adapthimself easily to other people and things around him so that he could help tocreate a
happy environment.

Good Health, Time, Affluence And Sound Reasoning

Access to happiness can also be obtainedthrough several factors necessary for a

successful and happy life, namely: goodhealth, time, affluence and sound (constructive)
reasoning provided, however,that these are supplemented with inner wealth through
spiritual guidance withoutwhich such elements would be only a source of evil and
destruction. Without theinner wealth and contentment, all riches and treasures of this
world would notsuffice to make a man happy.

Islam takes a positive view oflife with virtue lying not in shunning the bountiesof Allah
but in enjoyingthem within the framework of "righteous living" through which Islam
seeks topromote human welfare:“ 0 ye who believe! Make not unlawful the goodthings
which Allah hath made lawful for you, but commit no excess: for Allahloveth not those
given to excess. Eat of the things which Allah hath providedfor you, lawful and good;
but fear Allah, in Whom you believe”(Qur'an,5:87-88).

Islam also lays a lot of stress and emphasis onthe need for simultaneous enrichment of
both material and spiritual values to bedeeply infused into the individuals life.

Social Solidarity

Social solidarity is based on cooperationand the presence of altruism and civil

spirit. Such elements were neverdeep-rooted and in full force anywhere in the world as
they were in the earlyideal Muslim society. That civilized and lofty society was a living
reflectionof the active faith of Muslim believers and of the commandments revealed
byAllah and preached by His last Prophet to humanity, Muhammad (Peace andblessings
be upon him); the result, of course, was collective prosperity andhappiness. Read with
me:

*“ Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not oneanother
in sin and rancour”(Qur'an, 5:3).
*“ A believer is likea brick for another believer, the one supporting the
 other”(Reported byImams Bukhari and Muslim).
*“ The similitude of believers in regard tomutual love, affection, and fellow-
feeling is that of one body; when any limb ofit aches, the whole body aches,
because of sleeplessness and fever”(Reported by Imams Bukhari and Muslim).
*“ None of you is a perfectbeliever until he desires for his brother believer that
which he desires forhimself”(Reported by Imams Bukhari and Muslim).
*“ A Muslimowes six obligations towards another Muslim, namely:
1. When you meet him, greet him by saying: Peace be on you;
2. When heinvites you, you should accept his invitation;
3. When he solicits youradvice, advise him sincerely;
4. When he sneezes and praises Allah, respondwith supplication: May
Allah have mercy on you;
5. When he falls sick, youshould visit him; and,
6. When he dies, join his funeral.”(Reportedby Imam Muslim).
*“ One who believes in Allah and the Day of Judgmentmust not cause hardship
and inconvenience to his neighbor; and he who believesin Allah and the Last
Day must honour his guest, and he who believes in Allahand the Day of
Judgment must speak well or keep quiet!”(Reported byImmams Bukhari and
Muslim).
Omar bin AlKhattab, the secondCaliph after the death of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and
blessings be upon him),refused to eat fat and meat until all people have had enough to
eat.

A society with such standards of education and altruisticspirit, with such solidarity and
harmonious relations, with such excellentmanners and self-sacrifice, such a society is
really a very happy one.

Stability Of The Human Personality

Stability of the human Personality is oneof the essential elements of happiness

both or the individual and the collectivelevels. How could we attain a stable, well-
balanced personality? Let's refer tothe words of Allah in the Glorious Qur'an and trace
some of the importantconstituents of such character:

* Seeking guidance from the Holy Qur'an:“ Verily this Qur'an dothguide to that
which is most right (or stable)....”(Qur'an.17:9).

* Forbearance and deliberation: Haste is a danger to the stabilityof human

character. Man in his haste may unwittingly mistake evil for good.Haste and
impatience, due to failure to attain one's ambitions or desires, maymove one to
pray for evil instead of good or be contented with the immediatelittle gain and
give up the greater future gain.

* A child is born withan intact nature that grows in a stable upright manner until
he/she reachesmaturity. Deviation of the character takes place as a result of
 externalfactors. Therefore, the Qur'an provides remedial doses for the
achievement ofcharacter stability and virtuousness, and the treatment of evils of
deviationand corruption before they become out of control. It has made clear the
straightpath of righteousness and warned against the ways of error. Moreover, it
hasalso pointed out that man is endowed with the faculty of distinguishing
rightfrom wrong.“ By the soul, and the proportion and order given to it; "Andits
enlightenment as to its wrong and its right"; "Truly he succeeds thatpurifies it,
And he fails that corrupts it!”(Qur'an 91:7-10). The abovepassage draws the
attention of man to the role of self-purification andstabilization in the
achievement of success and happiness. Man should learn andunderstand that his
success, prosperity and salvation depend on himself, on hiskeeping his soul as
pure as Allah has made it on the other hand, his failure,decline and perdition
depend on his soiling his soul by choosing evil.

*An outstanding feature of a well-balanced personality is moderation in allfields

of life in general and in the financial field in particular.“ Andrender to the
kindred their due rights, as (also) to those in want, and to thewayfarer: but
squander not (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift.”(Qur'an, 17:26).“
Make not thy hand tied (like a niggard's) to thy neck,nor stretch it forth to its
utmost reach, so that thou become blameworthy anddestitute.”(Qur'an, 17:29).
We are not to be so lavish as to makeourselves destitute and incur the just censure
of wise men, nor is it becomingto keep back our resources from the just needs of
those who have a right to ourhelp.

* A stable character keeps man away from degradation and crimes,such as lying,
murder, suicide, adultery, drug addiction, fraud, rape, robbery,theft, usury and
other sins which are in contradiction with a stable personalityand deprive the
society of its stability and peace.

The Feeling Of Peace And Security

Happiness springs from inside the humanmind and heart. Therefore, peace of the
mind and psychological security play amajor role in the attainment of happiness. Many
wealthy people could not findthe way to happiness despite the luxury they enjoy. That is
due to their lack ofthe aforesaid factor. At the same time, many people who lack the
luxury of lifeenjoy such inner security and through this they experience a great deal
ofhappiness.

Peace of mind and the feeling of security couldbe achieved by getting rid of fear and
anxiety, and observance by people oftheir duties to their Almighty Lord, moved
simultaneously by fear of Allah andlove for Him. This would make them keep away from
all forms of aggression andharm, thus causing peace and security to prevail in society.
The feeling ofsecurity is boosted by the awareness that Allah continuously watches over
everyhuman act and behavior.“Allah ever watches over you”(Qur'an,4:1).
 Security may also be established and strengthened bymutual mercy and sympathy and
caring for sectors of society badly in need ofprotection and patronage such as orphans.
Organization of family affairs helpsalso to remove the causes of anxiety. Read the
following verse from the holyQur'an on the wife-husband relationship:“ ...and among
His (Allah's) signsis this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye
may dwellin tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your
(hearts):verily in that are Signs for those who reflect”(Qur'an, 30:21).

It is this mutual relationship of love, mercy and affectionthat gives the sense of security
to the whole family, including children whoenjoy this sense under the protection of their
parents. This relationship iswell-organized in Islamic society, including the prescription
of rights andobligations for every member of the family so that stability may prevail
intheir lives.

On a larger scope, Islam laid down thefoundations of security and peace in society by
establishing comprehensive andfair rules and regulations for all human affairs: moral,
social, political,military, economic and other fields of human endeavour.

Repentance

Repentance purifies the soul and relievesthe human mind of the burden of sin and
guilt. The aim of penitence is twofold:Peace of mind and carefree life in this world and
everlasting bliss in theHereafter. Repentance, in its Islamic import, does not involve, as
inChristianity, any kind of confession of sins to a priest or to any man. Islamteaches that
there are no mediators or intercessors in the relationship betweenAllah and His servants.
In fact, anyone could always turn directly to Allah forhelp and forgiveness, for He is too
Generous and Kind to turn you down. The HolyQur'an explains to us how Merciful is
Allah to us:“ When My servants askthee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I
listen to the prayer of everysuppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will,
listen to My call,and believe in Me: that they may walk in the right way”(Qur'an,
2:186).“ O ye Believers! Turn ye all together toward Allah, that ye may
attainBliss”(Qur'an, 24:31).

Learning And Pursuit Of Knowledge

Learning and Pursuit of Knowledge open forman the gateway to success and
happiness. Have a look at human civilizationthroughout history and see how knowledge
improved man's life and introduced manyinnovations and facilities for the service of man.
But knowledge and science area two-edged weapon: they could raise lofty towers but
could also destroy. Soknowledge must be channeled into the right way that leads to the
happiness andwelfare of mankind. Despite of the tremendous advancement in human
knowledge,particularly in science and technology, it is sad that their lull utilization
isgenerally geared towards oppression trespassing on human resources violation
andsuppression of basic human rights international terrorism and blackmail, and thelike.
 Constructive knowledge in general, and the knowledgeof Divine Guidance and Law in
particular, pave the way for human betterment andhappiness.

Guided by such kind of knowledge, Muslims overmany centuries, were able to build a
civilization that covered every aspect ofhuman advancement (both material and Spiritual)
rarely attained by any othercivilizations in history. Nowadays, the Muslim nation is badly
in need of arevival in order to lead humanity again to a civilization of justice,
peace,prosperity and happiness based on constructive knowledge and Divine Guidance
Onthe Pursuit of knowledge and learning we read in the Holy Qur'an:“..butsay, O my
Lord! advance me in knowledge!”(Qur'an, 20:114).

Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessing be upon him ) stressedthe importance of the
pursuit of knowledge as a way to eternal happiness.“ If a person follows a path for
acquiring knowledge Allah will make easythe passage to paradise for him”(Narrated by
Imam Muslim).

Pursuit of knowledge provides man with a feeling ofenjoyment and pleasure If man
enjoys having delicious meals for his body, hewould also enjoy more delicious meals (of
knowledge) for his mind and soul.

Selection Of Friends

"Tell me who your friends and companionsare, then I can tell you who you are."

To draw the abovesaying Closer to our subject matter, we may say: "Keep a happy man
company andyou will become happy."

It seems like contagious happinessthat infects the environment of man and influences
others. This is true becausea happy man is an optimistic and confident person who enjoys
peace and assuranceand tries to transmit his optimism and cheerfulness wherever he goes,
therebyspreading an impression of delight and happiness. Moreover, when you
haverighteous friends you will acquire good qualities from them and become
equallyrighteous Righteousness, you know, is an Entry Visa for the abode of
happinessand Allah's bounty.

Strong Will And Self-Confidence

Strong will And self-confidence aredecisive factors for the attainment of

happiness. These factors could developand direct the life of the individual toward success
and happiness. They arealso essential to overcome the hardships of life and withstand all
odds thatobstruct man's way towards the achievement of his goals in life.
 Being On Good Terms With Family, Friends And Colleagues

To form a happy social life you should beon good and intimate terms with your
family, friends and colleagues. Thebuilding of a happy house depends on the right choice
of your spouse,maintenance of intimate and good relationship and familiarity with the
best waysof bringing up the children. Friends should be selected carefully as
mentionedearlier. As for your colleagues, you should treat them with tolerance,
affectionand mutual respect.“ Whoever works any act of righteousness and has faithhis
endeavour will not be rejected and We shall record it in his favour”(Qur'an, 21:94).

[1]Dinar and Dirham currency used during the time of the Prophet (Peace and blessing be
upon him), which resembles the dollar and Cents or the pound and pence.
[2]Black and and striped sheets of cloth: precious cloth, symbolizing luxury clothes and
costumes.

Conclusion

A timely reminder to every one appeared ina recent issue of the Reader's Digest
sorrowful words as those of a certain topmember of the U.S. Republican National
Committee. lie is now dead, and in hisprime, he was blessed with material wealth, power
and prestige but not withspiritual wealth. Unfortunately, our message is late for him but
for the manystill alive who may be undergoing similar conditions, the words of
thehonourable gentleman of the U.S. would undoubtedly be an eye opener (warning)for
those who are still in a quandary. Those last and sorrowful words reveal histrue inner
feelings, that despite his material success i.e., power, wealth andprestige, there seems to
be absolute EMPTINESS in his whole being which couldonly be experienced through the
knowledge of spiritual reality. In his quest formaterial things, he forgot to develop his
spiritual nourishment. He forgot thatall worldly things are but ephemeral and transitory in
nature and what mattersis our inner wealth which is more meaningful, abiding and
lasting. His lastwords are here below full of frustration and uncertainty.

"Iknow I acquired more than most. But you can acquire all you want and still feelempty.
What power wouldn't I trade for a little more time with my family? Whatprice wouldn't I
pay for an evening with friends? It took a deadly illness toput me eye to eye with that
truth, but it is a truth the country can learn on mydime.... I was never a religious man. All
you have is your time on this earth, Iused to say. Confronted with the prospect of my own
end, I reevaluated. I didnot even know what I believed. I welcome anyone who could tell
me about hisfaith....!"

His last words were very revealing but it wascompletely a dismal failure full of
emptiness without a trace of hope ofspiritual fulfilment. It was tragic indeed, without a
trace of hope all histimes were spent solely for material wealth and leaving not an iota of
spiritualnourishment. Try ISLAM the only recourse of humanity for a 'real' happiness.

Welcome to your own religion!

 TheProphet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:“ Every child is born in a stateoff
lslam, then, his parents make him a Jew, a Christian or a Magian”.

REMINDER ALL THOSE WHO EMBRACE ISLAM ACTUALLY "REVERT"

TOTHEIR ORIGINAL RELIGION (ISLAM).