Lets Spread Happiness and Earn Reward

Gateway to Hadith

Spread Happiness and Earn Reward

Mawlana Sayyid Samar ul-Huda Attari Yemeni

The beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said:

اِنَّ اَحَبَّ الْاَعْمَالِ اِلَى الـلّٰـهِ بَعْدَ الْفَرَائِضِ اِدْخَالُ السُّرُورِ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِ

“In the court of Allah, the most superior action after fulfilling the obligations is to make another Muslim happy.”^[1]

Commenting on this hadith, Imam al-Munāwī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْـه said that after fulfilling one’s personal duties such as the five daily prayers, fasting, zakat, and Hajj, the most superior action is to make another Muslim happy. From giving gifts to aiding someone in time of need, there are countless ways of doing this. Happiness is the pleasure the heart feels when receiving or expecting a blessing.^[2] Spreading happiness and relieving people of their sorrows is the best way to reach Allah’s nearness and a source of immense reward.

Our pious predecessors رَحِمَهُمُ الـلّٰـه encouraged these actions. When Sayyidunā Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْـه was asked what keeps him happy and delightful, he said, “Meeting my Muslim brothers and instilling happiness in their hearts.”^[3]

Worldly Benefits of Spreading Happiness:

Actively bringing joy and happiness to others has positive impacts:

1.   The worries of Muslims are mitigated.

2.   It develops honour and an elevated status for him in the hearts of people.

3.   Others are encouraged to do the same.

4.   Muslims will supplicate for you.

Reward in the Hereafter for the One who Spreads Happiness:

1.   Allah and His Messenger صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم are pleased with him: Someone asked the beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, “Who is the most beloved person and what is the most beloved deed to Allah?” He answered, “The most beloved to Allah is the one who benefits people the most. The most beloved action to Allah is making another believer happy.”^[4]

2.   His sins are forgiven: The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “The actions which guarantee your forgiveness are: instilling happiness into the heart of your fellow believer; feeding him to his heart’s content; and removing his difficulties.”^[5]

3.   He is protected from the horrors of the grave: The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “Whoever brings happiness to the heart of a believer, Allah creates an angel who continues to worship Allah. When he enters the grave, that angel comes and says, ‘Do you not recognise me?’ The individual asks, ‘Who are you?’ The angel replies, ‘I am the happiness that you instilled in so-and-so’s heart. I will grant you ease from the horrors of the grave; I will help you answer the questions of the grave; I will intercede for you in the court of Allah, and I will show you your residence in Paradise.’”^[6]

4.   He will enter the Abode of Joy (Dār al-Farḥ): The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “Verily, in Paradise there is a house called the Abode of Joy. Only those who make children happy will enter it.”^[7]

Examples of Spreading Happiness

There are many actions that do not require you to spend an absurd amount of money or go through bodily harm. Rather, they require only a little attention and you will easily earn many good deeds. Here are some examples:

1.   Giving water to someone who is thirsty does not seem like a great deal. But this causes one to become happy, and the glad tidings of forgiveness will be announced for the one who does so.

2.   In light of your experiences, giving someone useful advice does not cost you anything. But it can make someone’s life better.

3.   Recognising and lauding the achievements of your employees, students, children, or whoever you are responsible for will motivate them to work harder than before, and they will reciprocate that with respect for you.

4.   Helping someone carry their groceries or some other load. Only after a few paces he will have made a place in his heart for you.

5.   You meet someone, smile and inquire about him. Considering him important and giving him time will make him very happy. He will always remember what you did for him.

6.   Someone may come to you whilst you are busy and share something that you have no interest in. Despite this, you listen attentively to what he says. These few moments of yours will have eased his burden.

These examples prove that we can bring joy to others without much effort, and in a short space of time, earn immense reward. The true weight of these small acts of kindness will become clear when it matters most, on the Day of Reckoning. We have life, health, and free time to fill our annals of deeds now, lest we face despair on that Day. May Allah Almighty make us a channel of happiness for others.

اٰمِیْن بِجَاہِ النَّبِیِّ الْاَمِیْن  صَلَّی اللہ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلہٖ وَسَلَّم