|
Cont'd from page 2
[39:17] As for those who discard the worship of all idols, and devote themselves totally to GOD alone, they have deserved happiness. Give good news to My servants.
Praise God and there we have it. Those that glorify God during the night as well as both ends of the day may be happy. Those that devote themselves totally to God alone have deserved happiness. Therefore, happiness is submission to God alone.
Thank God for the Quran to clarify what is associated with happiness. Remember we can’t achieve happiness on our own, it only comes through the will of God.
[92:7] We will direct him towards happiness.
May God guide us all to true happiness of devoting our entire lives to submission to God alone!
* * * * *
Here are nine happiness-promoting behaviors, backed by science, with relevant Quran support.
1. Relationships are essential. The happiest (and healthiest) people were those who cultivate strong relationships with others.
[30:21] Among His proofs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, in order to have tranquility and contentment with each other, and He placed in your hearts love and care towards your spouses. In this, there are sufficient proofs for people who think.
[13:23] They enter the gardens of Eden, together with the righteous among their parents, their spouses, and their children. The angels will enter to them from every door.
2. Time beats money. A number of studies have shown that happier people prefer to have more time in their lives than more money.
Worldly Materials Are Nil
[9:85] Do not be impressed by their money or their children; GOD causes these to be sources of misery for them in this world, and their souls depart as disbelievers.
[3:14] Adorned for the people are the worldly pleasures, such as the women, having children, piles upon piles of gold and silver, trained horses, livestock, and crops. These are the materials of this world. A far better abode is reserved at GOD.
In this world we have a lot of time (73:7), but we don’t want to waste it. When the appointed time of death comes, there is no returning; we cannot get another chance.
[36:48] They also challenge, “When will that promise come to pass, if you are truthful?” [36:49] All they see will be one blow that overwhelms them, while they dispute. [36:50] They will not even have time to make a will, nor will they be able to return to their people.
[26:102-3] “If only we could get another chance, we would then believe.” This should be a good lesson. But most people are not believers.
3. It helps to have enough money to pay the bills.
[34:39] Say, “My Lord is the One who controls all provisions; He increases the provisions for whomever He chooses from among His servants, or reduces them. Anything you spend (in the cause of God), He will reward you for it; He is the Best Provider.”
[93:5] And your Lord will give you enough; you will be pleased.
4. It’s worth stopping to smell the roses. People who slow down to reflect on good things in their lives report being more satisfied.
GOD rewards those who are appreciative (3:144-5, 4:147).And He has given us so much to be appreciative for (22:36, 28:73, 30:46, 35:12).
[14:7] Your Lord has decreed: “The more you thank Me, the more I give you.”
But if you turn unappreciative, then My retribution is severe.
[16:114] Therefore, you shall eat from GOD’s provisions everything that is lawful and good, and be appreciative of GOD’s blessings, if you do worship Him alone.
[39:66] Therefore, you shall worship GOD alone, and be appreciative.
5. Acts of kindness boost the mood. Research has shown that people who perform acts of kindness report being happier.
[2:110] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Any good you send forth on behalf of your souls, you will find it at GOD. GOD is seer of everything you do.
[3:92] You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity from the possessions you love. Whatever you give to charity, GOD is fully aware thereof.
[19:12-3] “O John, you shall uphold the scripture, strongly.” We endowed him with wisdom, even in his youth. And (we endowed him with) kindness from us and purity, for he was righteous.
6. Breaking a sweat is about more than burning calories. Studies show that increased levels of physical activity are connected to higher levels of happiness.
Higher Ranks for the Strivers
[4:95] Not equal are the sedentary among the believers who are not handicapped, and those who strive in the cause of GOD with their money and their lives. GOD exalts the strivers with their money and their lives above the sedentary. For both, GOD promises salvation, but GOD exalts the strivers over the sedentary with a great recompense.
[5:35] O you who believe, you shall reverence GOD and seek the ways and means to Him, and strive in His cause, that you may succeed.
[29:6] Those who strive, strive for their own good. GOD is in no need for anyone.
7. Enjoyment is more valuable than material items. People tend to be happier if they spend their money on experiences.
Cont'd on page 4