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time, but are unable to define it. Happiness is a positive emotional state that is
subjectively defined by each person. As per the Websters Third International
Dictionary, happiness is a state of wellbeing characterized by relative
permanence, by dominantly agreeable emotion ranging in value from mere
contentment to deep and intense joy in living and by a natural desire for its
continuation.
In the context of psychology, happiness has been cited as a
psychological state and an overriding goal of human behaviour. Watson (1980)
stated that no quest claims a larger following than happiness. According to him,
the essentials of happiness for most people are among the stable elements of
life (friends, work, nature).
There are two popular definitions of happiness:
1. Happiness as a warm puppy definition: According to this definition,
happiness is just about anything a person could imagine. Happiness may
be a good job, being loved etc. Happiness according to this popular
definition is just about anything, anyone, anywhere might think of as
making themselves happy.
2. The second popular definition states that happiness is satisfaction,
3. Envy and Jealousy: Envy and jealousy are sources of dissatisfaction for
people. Therefore, we are advised in the Holy Quran to seek refuge in
Allah from the mischief of the envious one as he practices
envy(Chapter 113 of the Holy Quran). Both envy and jealousy, when
translated into action, leads to the destruction of happiness and deprive
people of the good things they enjoy. The best refuge from evil is trust in
Allah along with the purity of heart.
4. Ill will: True believers are described in the Holy Quran as saying when
they pray to Allah: And leave not, in our hearts, rancor (or sense of injury)
against those who have believed.(Quran, 10:59). Ill will is contrary to
happiness; it belongs to a different domain of human feelings. It is like a
virus that kills the sentiments and kindness in man.
5. Anger: Anger denotes displeasure and hostility. It is one of the biggest
threats that spoil ones happiness. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)
stressed the importance of self restraint when he advised one of his
companions, Do not be overpowered by anger.
6. Injustice: Injustice, no doubt will bring ruin to everybody who practices it.
This has been proven by many examples that served as warnings and
lessons to humanity to shun this dangerous vice and maintain justice and
equality. It has been stated in a verse from the Holy Quran, And how
many populations did I give respite, which were given to wrong doing? In
the end, I punished them. To Me is the destination (of all). (Quran, 22:48).
7. Fear of wordly power: Fear of other than Allah is the cause of humility,
insecurity and unhappiness. Whereas, fear of Allah produces in man lofty
ideals and drives him to develop sound conduct and excellent moral
behaviour. It frees him from all fetters of human bondage and safeguards
his dignity and freedom of will. Allah says in the Holy Quran: It is only
the Satan that suggests to you the fear of his votaries: be you not afraid of
them, but fear me, if you are true believers. (Quran, 3:175)
8. Pessimism: Pessimism is synonymous with misery and trouble. It often
leads to depression. A pessimistic person would hold back enjoying his
continuous hope against all hopes of despair. A true believer will enjoy a
tranquil heart, a peaceful soul, and will not be full of worry and anxiety
over life. He will be pleased with whatever Allah has ordained for him,
thankful for all the good things in his life and be patient with
misfortunes. The submission of a believer to Allah gives him peace of
mind because he believes that his life has a meaning and a purpose that
he must strive to achieve.
And whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear nor
shall they grieve. (Quran, 2:38)
Truly, in remembering Allah do hearts find rest. (Quran, 13:28)
A person who believes in Allah tends to be more ethically responsible. It
makes a person feel that he is being observed by Allah everytime and
everywhere. This feeling makes a person try to be as uncorrupted and far
from sin as possible.
Belief in the Life after death and the day of Judgement: A Muslim
believes in life after death. This belief gives the person a feeling of
satisfaction with the justice of Allah. Allah is fair; everyone is
responsible for his actions. This responsibility makes everybody watch
over his own deeds.
Goodness and kindness to others: Man is a social being who needs to
interact with other beings of his own kind. It is not possible for him to
exist independently of others. Interacting with others is unavoidable and
people differ greatly from one another. Thus, it is unavoidable that
displeasing things will happen between people that can cause them
distress and worry. For this reason, Islam emphasizes morality and
development of moral character.
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, All creatures are
dependents of Allah, and the most favoured among them by Allah is the
one who is most helpful to his dependents. (Narrated by Tabarani, Abu
Naeem and Bayhaqi)
expect. And whoever puts his trust in Allah, He will suffice him. For Allah
will surely accomplish his purpose. Verily for all things has Allah appointed
a due proportion. (Quran, 65:02-03)
Whoever follows my guidance, will not loose his way nor fall into misery.
But whosoever turns away from My message, verily for him is a miserable
life. (Quran, 20:123-124)
Being content with what we have today, embarking on utilizing the day that
we have and being grateful to Allah can lead us to happiness.
To be one of those who believe and urge each other to steadfastness and
urge each other to compassion. Those are the Companions of the Right.
(Surat al-Balad: 17-18)
A good action and a bad action are not the same. Repel the bad with
something better and, if there is enmity between you and someone else, he
will be like a bosom friend. (Surat al-Fusilat:34)
We should be moderate in all that we do for a stable personality.
And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly,
but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes). (Quran, 5:88)
For ultimate happiness, one should always practice patience.
Seek help through patient perseverance and prayers. (Quran, 2:45)
Character building could be achieved by adopting the Islamic educational
system which helps one to acquire a balanced and sound personality and
adapt himself easily to other people and things around him so that he could
help create a happy environment.
Self control is another important characteristic which can help in achieving
happiness. A Muslim should fast for one month every year. This fasting
trains his will and frees him from being enslaved by his own habits. Fasting
also makes him more sympathetic with others suffering poverty or
deprivation.
Learning and pursuit- Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) stressed the
importance of the pursuit of knowledge as a way to eternal happiness.
If a person follows a path for acquiring knowledge Allah will make easy
the passage to paradise for him. (Muslim)
Pursuit of knowledge provides man with a feeling of enjoyment and
pleasure.
To form a happy social life: choose spouse, friends and companions wisely.
There is a saying - Keep a happy man company and you will be happy
This is true because a happy man is an optimistic and confident person who
enjoys peace and assurance, tries to transmit his optimism and cheerfulness
wherever he goes. Moreover when we have righteous companions and
friends, we acquire good qualities from them.
Strong will and self confidence are factors necessary for the attainment of
happiness. These factors can develop and direct the life of the individual
towards success and happiness. They are also essential to overcome the
hardships of life that obstruct ones way towards the achievement of his
goals in life.
A human being is the product of the unification of the body and soul. Thus,
Islam has taken both material and spiritual needs into consideration, on the
other hand, it has laid down principles necessary for the happiness of the
individual as well as the society. All this shows that the moral teaching offered
to humanity by Islam is one that will bring peace and happiness to the world.