In the Name of Allah, Forever Merciful
By Dr. Omer El-Hamdoon
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and the best of salutations to the final messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Observing today’s society, we witness a pervasive sense of depression, worry, and psychological troubles that disrupt lives profoundly. This turmoil is largely attributed to the increased materialism that engulfs our existence, reducing people to bodies devoid of spirit and making them forget the true sources of happiness and spiritual joy.
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim insightfully remarked:
“The real enjoyment is that which its end/consequence is also an enjoyment.”
Thus, the fleeting pleasure of sins like adultery soon gives way to sadness, a tightness of the heart, and regret. Conversely, performing good deeds may initially involve hardship, but ultimately brings profound happiness and peace. Consider fasting, which exemplifies this truth, as the fasting person experiences great amount of joy on breaking his fast.
Let us now explore several key practices that can lead to a fulfilling life here and eternal bliss hereafter:
1. Acknowledge the ephemeral nature of our worldly life, which is but a passageway to the hereafter. The Prophet (peace be upon him) likened it to a traveller who rests under a tree before continuing his journey.
He also reminded us, “Dunya is cursed, and cursed is what is in it, except remembrance of Allah, and that which is related to Him, and a scholar and a learning student.”
When ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṫālib (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked about the dunya, he replied: “What can I say about an abode which it’s beginning is sadness, and it’s end is destruction; in the halal of it there will be accountability and in the ḥarām of it there will be punishment.”
2. Turn to Allah in times of affliction. He alone answers the distressed and has the power to relieve all suffering.
Allah says: “Who is it that answers the distressed when he calls?”
And He said: “And if Allah allows harm to touch you, then none can remove it except He. And if He allows good to touch you, then He is over all things able.”
Knowing Allah in times of ease facilitates His support in our hardships, as advised by the Prophet (S.A.W)e: “Know Allah at the time of ease, He will know you at time of hardship.”
3. Cherish the patience and faith in Allah’s decree. This mindset instils a certainty (yaqīn) that makes even the toughest challenges bearable. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to seek the kind of yaqīn that lightens life’s difficulties, promising that even a brief experience of al-Jannah will erase all worldly sorrows.
4. Recite and remember the duʿāʾs taught for easing worries and distress.
Say, “Lā ʾilāha illa Allah Al-Aẓīm Al-Ḥalīm. Lā ilāha illa Allah Rabb al-ʿArsh Al-Aẓīm. Lā ilāha illa Allah Rabb al-Samāwāti wa al-ʾArd.”
And when beset by concerns, affirm, “Allah, Allah is my Lord, I associate nothing with Him.”
Concluding with the prayer of the Prophet Yūnus (known as Dhul Nūn) (peace be upon him), which assures divine response: “Lā ilāha illa Anta. Subḥānaka innī kuntu min al-ẓālimīn.”
10 thoughts on “The Happy Life”
As-Salamu Alaykum
This is a very good informative article, enjoyed reading it.
Jazakallah khair
Wa Alaikum Salaam wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatuh.
Wa antum fa Jazakum Allah Khairan.
Thank for your comment and feedback. In Sha Allah, we will continue to strive to gain and share more knowledge that will benefit everyone.
Please do share the article so that others can also gain from it, In Sha Allah.
Barak Allahu Fikum.
As Salaam Alaikum wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatuh.
Allahuma Barik. This is extremely beneficial and priceless knowledge.
May Allah (swt) guide us towards the Siraatul Mustaqeem, and bless us with hearts that strive to grow closer to Allah (swt) with every passing second.
Walaikum Salaam wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatuh.
Jazak Allah Khairan for your comment and feedback.
Ameen.
Please do share the article so that everyone can benefit from it, In Sha Allah.
An excellent reminder that we need constantly in our lives.
Jazak Allah Khairan for publishing this.
As Salaam Alaikum wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatuh.
Jazak Allah Khairan for your comment and feedback.
PLease share the article with everyone.
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Mashallah, this article’s a good reminder of the impermanence of worldly pursuit.
A deeply spiritual perspective on finding peace and fulfilment in a world filled with empty and meaningless pleasures.
May Allah reward you.
Walaikum Salaam wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatuh.
Jazak Allah Khairan for your comment and feedback.
May Allah bless us all with understanding and fulfilment.
May Allah reward you too, Ameen.
Please do share the article so that everyone can benefit from it, In Sha Allah.
Subhan Allah
As Salaam Alaikum wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatuh.
Jazak Allah Khairan for your comment and feedback.