What is True Happiness and How to Achieve it?

Women’s Corner

True Happiness

Umm Milad Attariyyah

Happiness is a state of mind, driven by receiving something of value, something we desire. Yet, what is valuable and desirable differs from person to person. Some value material items, whilst others value opportunities to perform good deeds and are delighted when such opportunities arise. Essentially, it is up to us to choose what becomes the source of happiness for us.

For the believer, ultimate happiness lies in pleasing Allah Almighty and living wholesome lives performing good deeds and diligently observing the boundaries set by our Lord. The Quran states:

اَلَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَ عَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ طُوْبٰى لَهُمْ وَ حُسْنُ مَاٰبٍ(۲۹)

“Those who believed and did good deeds; for them is bliss (ṭūbā) and a good outcome.”'^[1]

 Ṭūbā is a broad term and refers to glad tidings of comfort, bliss, happiness, and prosperity.^[2] True happiness is found in having faith in Allah and performing good deeds. Therefore, as Muslims, we should associate happiness with the security of our faith and the bounties of Allah.

Good actions do not only refer to praying, fasting, zakat, and Hajj. Rather, whoever shows kindness to other Islamic sisters, makes them happy and fulfils their needs whenever possible; such people also reach true happiness. A pertinent hadith states:

Whoever brings joy to the heart of a believer, Allah Almighty creates an angel from that joy who continues to worship, praise, and declare the oneness of Allah Almighty. When that person enters the grave, the angel comes to him and asks, ‘Do you not recognise me?’ The individual says, ‘Who are you?’ The angel then replies, ‘I am the joy that you instilled in so-and-so’s heart. Today, I will comfort you in your ˹state of˺ panic, ensure you remain steadfast in answering the questions, take you to the Plains ˹of Judgement˺ to appeal on your behalf to your Lord, and show you your place in Paradise.’”^[3]

My sisters in faith, instilling happiness into the heart of a believing sister, being sympathetic towards her, assisting her, and easing her difficulties will bring you unbound happiness and tranquillity in this life and the next. Women who hold back from good deeds, do not care for other women, and transgress the boundaries of Islam lose out on so much reward. They carelessly distant themselves from Allah Almighty and earn His displeasure. May Allah Almighty bless us with His pleasure and the love for the beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.