Route To Islam

The Door to Eternal Paradise

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Salvation from Hellfire

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Real Happiness and Inner Peace

Real happiness and peace can be found in submitting to the commands of the Creator and the Sustainer of this world.  Allah has said in the Quran: “Truly, in remembering Allah do hearts find rest.” (13:28)

On the other hand, the one who turns away from the Quran will have a life of hardship in this world.  Allah has said:
“But whoever turns away from the Quran, he will have a hard life, and We will raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment.” (20:124)
This may explain why some people commit suicide while they enjoy the material comfort money can buy.  For example…

Happiness & Science

In the past few years psychologists and researchers have been studying people all over the world to find out what exactly makes us happy.  Is it money, attitude, culture, memory, health, or altruism? New findings suggest that actions have a positive effect on happiness.  “Yes! Magazine” has come up with a list of scientifically proven strategies for becoming happy.   Not surprisingly they neatly correspond to the way God and His messenger Muhammad, have taught us to behave, which is an indication of the perfection of Islam.

Here in no particular order, are seven “scientifically” proven ways to increase happiness.

1.      Avoid comparisons.

According to Stanford psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky[1], focusing on our own personal achievement instead of comparing ourselves to others, leads to greater satisfaction.  God says in the Quran,
“Do not strain your eyes in longing for the things that we have given to some groups of them to enjoy, the splendour of the life of this world through which we test them.  The provision of your Lord is better and more lasting.” (20:131)

2.      Smile, even when you don’t feel like it.

“Happy people…see possibilities, opportunities, and success.  When they think of the future, they are optimistic, and when they review the past, they tend to savour the high points,” say Diener and Biswas-Diener.[2]

Prophet Muhammad,  said, “Do not think little of any good deed, even if it is just greeting your brother with a cheerful smile.” [Muslim]  and “To smile in the face of your brother is charity given on your behalf.” [Bukhari]

3.      Get out and exercise.

A Duke University study shows that exercise may be just as effective as drugs in treating depression.  Prophet Muhammad said: “A strong believer is better and more beloved in the sight of Allah than a weak believer.” [Muslim]  He was not only talking in terms of faith and character, but also that optimum health and fitness were desirable traits in a believer.

4.      Make friends and treasure family.

Happier people tend to have good families, friends, and supportive relationships, say Diener and Biswas-Diener.[7]  “We don’t just need relationships, we need close ones” that involve understanding and caring.  Allah, the Exalted, says:
“Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the poor, the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet). Verily, Allah does not like those who are proud and boastful.” (4:36)

Prophet Muhammad said, “Among the things that bring happiness to a believer in this life are a righteous neighbour, a spacious house and a good steed.” [Hakim]  Islam places great emphasis on the solidarity of families, neighbourhoods and the wider community.

5.      Say thank you like you mean it.

People who keep gratitude journals on a weekly basis are healthier, more optimistic, and more likely to make progress toward achieving personal goals, according to author Robert Emmons[9].

At the core of the teachings of Islam is the idea that to be happy or content we must be grateful to Allah, not just for what we perceive to be blessings but for all circumstances.  Whatever condition we find ourselves in we are grateful and sure that it is good for us as long as we are following the teachings of Allah.  Allah said:
“Therefore, remember Me (Allah) and I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.” (2:152)
And (remember) when Allah proclaimed: ‘If you are grateful I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are ungrateful verily, My punishment is indeed severe.’ (14:7)

6.      Give it away, give it away now!

Make altruism, and giving in charity, part of your life, and be resolute about it.  Researcher Stephen Post says helping a neighbour, volunteering, or donating goods and services results in a “helper’s high,” and you get more health benefits than you would from exercise or quitting smoking.

Islam encourages people to be generous towards family, friends, neighbours, strangers and even enemies.  This is mentioned repeatedly throughout the Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad.
“Say: “Truly, my Lord blesses the provision for whom He wills of His slaves, and also restricts it for him, and whatsoever you spend of anything (in God’s Cause), He will replace it.   And He is the Best of providers.” (34:39)

The people came to the Prophet Muhammad, and asked, “If someone has nothing to give, what will he do?”  He said, “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).”  The people further asked, “If he cannot find even that?”  He replied, “He should help the needy who appeal for help.”  Then the people asked, “If he cannot do that?”  He replied, “Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds and this will be regarded as a charitable deed.” [Bukhari]

7.      Put money low on your list of priorities.

People who put money high on their priority list are more at risk for depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, according to researchers Tim Kasser and Richard Ryan.  Allah’s Messenger said, “Be happy, and hope for what will please you.  By Allah, I am not afraid that you will be poor, but I fear that worldly wealth will be bestowed upon you as it was bestowed upon those who lived before you.  So you will compete amongst yourselves for it, as they competed for it and it will destroy you as it did them.” [Ibid]

Happiness is not only intense joy, it also involves contentment.  In the next article we will examine the role of happiness in Islam and discover that following the commandments of God is the path to righteousness, contentment and happiness.

Happiness is Found in Sincere Worship

Islam is the religion that is more than a religion; it is the religion that is a complete way of life.  Nothing is too small or too big to be covered by the teachings of Islam.  Rejoice and be happy, remain positive and be at peace. This is what Islam teaches us, through the Quran and the authentic teachings of Prophet Muhammad.  Every single one of Allah’s commandments aims to bring happiness to the individual.  This applies in all aspects of life, worship, economics, and society.

“Whoever works righteousness – whether male or female – while he (or she) is a true believer verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e.  Paradise in the Hereafter).” (16:97)

As most of us have come to realise, happiness is that ethereal quality that encompasses contentment and peacefulness; it is the soft joy that causes our lips, faces and hearts to smile.   It is determined by faith in Allah and obedience to Him.  Thus happiness embodies the peace security and submission that is Islam.  The injunctions and regulations of Islam reinforce the happiness that comes from knowing Allah and they help to guarantee humankind’s happiness during life in this world.  However, Islam also emphasizes that the life of this world is nothing more than a means of attaining the Hereafter.  By following the guidelines of Islam it is possible to be happy while awaiting our eternal happiness.

Sometimes, in order to achieve happiness, people attempt to follow complicated paths; they fail to see the easier path that is Islam.  Happiness can be found in the solace that comes from being upon the truth.   It can be achieved by sincere worship, hastening to do virtuous, noble and beautiful deeds, and by performing acts of kindness or giving charity.  These things all have the potential to make us happy, every day, under any circumstances.  Even giving the smallest charity, in order to please God, can bring a smile to your face and a feeling of joy to your heart.

Prophet Muhammad said, “Indeed amazing are the affairs of a believer!  They are all for his benefit. If he is granted ease then he is thankful, and this is good for him.   And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres, and this is good for him.” [Muslim] The nature of the human condition means that amongst the happiness there may be great sorrow and within the pain and despair there may be great joy.  A believer will accept Allah’s decree for him and lead a happy life free from total despair or unbearable pain.

Islam has the answer to all the problems that afflict humankind, and knowing this leads to happiness, because it allows us to look beyond the need for self-gratification, and the need to acquire possessions. Following the teaching of Islam and striving to please Allah is a constant reminder that this life is but a transient pause on the way to life everlasting.
“But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e.  neither believes in this Qur’an nor acts on its teachings) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.” (20: 124) Allah says in the Quran, “Verily!  I am Allah!  None has the right to be worshipped but I, so worship Me.”  (20:14).

The key to happiness is knowing and worshipping Allah. When one worships and remembers the Creator as He should be worshipped and remembered,   happiness can be observed all around us, at any given moment and even on the darkest night.  It is there in the smile of a child, in the touch of a comforting hand, in the rain on parched earth, or in the smell of spring.  These things can make our hearts truly happy because they are manifestations of God’s mercy and love.  Happiness can be found in worship.

To find true happiness we must seek to know God, especially through His names and attributes.  Seeking beneficial knowledge brings happiness.  The angels flutter their wings and keep records of those who seek knowledge; the mere thought of this brings a smile of happiness to the face of a believer.   Our righteous predecessors understood the inherent happiness and joy to be found in striving to be close to Allah.

Perfect happiness will only be available to us if we spend life everlasting in Paradise.  It is only there that we will find total peace, tranquillity and security.  It is only there that we will be free of the fear, anxiety and pain that are part of the human condition.  However the guidelines provided by Islam allow us, imperfect humans, to seek happiness in this world.  The key to being happy in this world and the next is seeking the pleasure of Allah, and worshipping Him, without associating partners with Him.

And of them there are some who say: “Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!” (2:201)

Footnotes:
[1] The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Penguin Press, 2008

[2] Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth, Ed Diener and Robert Biswas-Diener, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2008

[7] Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth, Ed Diener and Robert Biswas-Diener, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2008

[9] Thanks!  How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, Robert Emmons, Houghton Mifflin Company, 2007

Forgiveness for All Previous Sins

When someone converts to Islam, Allah forgives all of his previous sins and evil deeds.  A man called Amr came to the Prophet Muhammad and said, “Give me your right hand so that I may give you my pledge of loyalty.”  The Prophet stretched out his right hand.  Amr withdrew his hand.  The Prophet said: “What has happened to you, O Amr?”  He replied, “I intend to lay down a condition.”  The Prophet asked: “What condition do you intend to put forward?”  Amr said, “That Allah forgive my sins.”  The Prophet, said: “Didn’t you know that converting to Islam erases all previous sins?” [Muslim]

After converting to Islam, the person will be rewarded for his or her past good deeds, moreover all the sins they did in the past are turned to good deeds, By the Mercy of Allah, as He said ..‘Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.’ [27:70]

And for those who used to be a Jew or Christian, then for them is an extra reward..
The Messenger of Allah said: “Three types of people will be given their reward twice over; a person from the people of the book, one who believed in his prophet and then believed in me…” and in similar narration he said “Whoever embraces Islam from the people of the two scriptures (i.e Jews and Christians) will be given a double reward…”  [Bukhari]