The way to happiness

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THE WAY WAY TO TO HAPPINESS THE HAPPNESS "Happiness basedon on "Happiness based between betweenIllusion Illusion and Reality" Reality " by and

by Dr. Dr. Nasser NasserAI-Omar Al-Omar "Causesof Happiness" and"Causes Happiness" and by

by Sheikh Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Abdur-Rahman AI-Sa'adi.

Al-Sa'adi.

by by Ghalib Ghalib Ahmad Masri

and and Nathif Jama Jama Adam Adam

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Cooperative Ollice Office for for Call Call andGuidance Guidancein in al-Batha,1995 al-Batha,l99S ( c ) Cooperative \,-,/ King Fahd Fahd Nationat National Library Library Cataloging'in Cataloging-in Publication Publication Data Data King Masri, Ghalib Ghalib Ahmad Ahmad Masri,

The Way Way of of happiness/Ghalib happiness/Ghalib Ahmad Ahmad Masri' Masri, Nathif Nathif Jama lama The Adam.- Riyadh.

Riyadh.

Adam.I112P.,12XJ7Cm r 2 P . .l 2 X ! ? C m

ISBN: 9960-798-22-4 ISBN: 1Faith (Islamic (Islamic creeds) creeds) l- Faith 2- Happiness Happiness 21I- Adm,

Nathif Jama (J.a.)

Jama(J.a.)

Nathif

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240dc 240dc

1619i16 1619/16

1619/16 no. 1619/16 Legal Deposit Depositno.

Legal 9960-798-22-a ISBN: 9960-798-22-4 ISBN:

RCKNOTJLEDGEIlENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The present present work work has The has been been written written jointly by the the two two co-authors. jointly by co-authors.Nathif Nathif Jama Adam Adam has has contributed contributed the lama section the section " Sources of Happiness." on "Sources on Happiness."Ghalib Ghalib Ahmad Masri has Ahmad Masri has written written the the other other sectionsof the thebook. book. sections The authors authorsgratefully gratefully acknowledge The acknowledgethe the efforts that that contributed contributedto the efforts production of the produciion this booklet its present this booklet in its present form, especially form, especially the the valuable valuable comments comments of Dr. Dr. M6hamei Mohamed I.otfi Zlitni and and other Lotfi other helpful helpful comments on comments the the content content of this this work. work.

3 CONTENTS CONTENTS Descriotion Description Acknowledgement Acknowledgement Contents Contents lntroduction Introduction Definition of Happiness Happiness Definition Sourcesof Happiness Happiness Sources 1. Happiness Happinessin Wealth 1.

Wealth -- Qarun Qarun ChristinaOnassis -- Christina Onassis 2. Happiness Happinessin Rank Position 2.

Rank and and Position The Shah -- The Shahof Iran FerdinandMarcos -- Ferdinand Marcos JeanBedel BedelBokassa -- Jean Bokassa -- Nicolae NicolaeCeausescu Ceausescu Rajiv Gandhi -- Rajiv Gandhi 3. Educational EducationalAchievements 3.

Achievements 4. Happiness Happinessin Fame 4.

Farne -- Sporting Sporting Acting -- Acting (Excerpts) Articles (Excerpts) Two Articles Barriersto to Real RealHappiness Happiness Barriers Disbelief in Allah and Lack of True 1.

1. Disbelief True and Lack Faith Faith 2. Sin and 2. and Crime Crime 3.

Envy and jealousy andJealousy 3. Envy 4. Ill-will 4.

22 3aJ

6 22 22 23 ZJ 23 23 25 25 26 26

30 30 32 32 32 32 Aa +.t 42 33 33 -a 33 JJ .A 34 J+ 38 38 39 39 44 44 49 49 56 56 56 56 57 51 57 57 57 57

4 Anger 5. Anger 5. lejustice 6. Injustice 6.

Fearof Worldly 7. Fear Worldlv Power Power 7.

Pessimism Pessimism 8.

8.

9. Suspicion Suspicion 9.

10. Arrogance Arrogance 10.

11. Devotion Devotionto 11. to other Allah otherthan thanAllah 12. Alcohol, Alcohol, Drugs 12.

Drugs and Drug Addiction andDrug Addiction Landmarks on Landmarks on the Happy Life the Way to to Happy (Factorsand of Happiness) (Factors Pre-requisites Happiness) and Pre-requisites 1. Sound SoundBelief Belief 1.

2. Worship Worship and 2. and Devotion Devotionto to Allah Remembranceof Allah 3.

3. Remembrance 4. Goodness Kindnessto 4.

Goodnessand andKindness to Others Others Renunciationof Too-Long Too-Long Term 5.

5. Renunciation Term Hopesand Past Hopes and Griefs Griefs of the the Past ForgettingAbout People 6. Forgetting Peoplewith 6.

Higher Standard Higher Standardof Living Building of Better 7. Building BetterUnderstanding 7.

Understanding of Things Things and Rid of MisconcMisconcand Getting Getting Rid eptionsand eptions and Superstitions Superstitions Achieving Harmony Harmony within 8. Achieving 8.

Oneself Oneselfand and with the the Outward OutwardWorld Health, Time, Time, Affluence Affluence and 9. Good Good Health, 9. and Sound Reasoning SoundReasoning 1 0 . Social 10.

SocialSolidarity Solidarity 1 1 . Stability 11. the Human Human Personality Personality Stabilityof the

58 58 58 58 60 60 61 61 61 61 62 62 62 62 63 63 64 64 64 64 69 69 75 75 77 77 79 79 85 85 87 87 87 87 88 88 89 89 91 9l

5) 12. The The Feeling Feelingof Peace Peaceand 12. andSecurity Security 13.

Repentance 13. Repentance 14. Learning teaming and Pursuitof Knowledge 14. andPursuit Knowledge 15. Selection 15.

Selectionof Friends Friends 16. Strong 16.

StrongWill and andSelf-Confidence Self-Confidence 17. Being Beingon 17. on Good Termswith with Family, Family , GoodTerms Friends Friends and andColleagues Colleagues CONCLUSION CONCLUSION

94 94 96 96 97 97 99 99 100 100 100 100 101 l0r

6

nameof Allah, In the thename Allah, Most Most Gracious, Gracious,Most Most Merciful.

Merciful.

INTRODUCTION To my surprise, suqprise,he he returned returnedfrom from the rich dinner the rich dinner very unhappy. unhappy.I wanted very the reason. reason. He wantedto know the He "If only you explained to you had explained had seen to me: me: "If seenthe the luxury they luxury they are splendidvilla, villa, rich rich are living in - aa splendid food, food, luxurious luxurious furniture, fumiture, servants servantsand fleet of and aa fleet cars! cars! It makes makesme me feel feel extremely miserable". extremelymiserable".

"But, "Is he "But, is life?" I asked, is he he enjoying his life?" asked,"Is he enjoying his really really happy?" happy?"

"As far "As far as know", he he replied, replied, aa little little as I know", pacified," he is not pacified," he is not enjoying enjoying the luxuries of his the luxuries his life. He He wishes wisheshe life. he could food. even could eat eat ordinary ordinarvfood, even bread, bread,even thoughhe he loses losesall his eventhough his wealth." wealth."

"So you you are richerand "So much richer and happier happierthan he are much than he "Your health is", I said. greaterwealth is", said."Your health is is aa greater wealththan than luxurieswhich have you so those thoseluxuries havemade madeyou so depressed. depressed.

Wealth alone give happiness.

Wealth alonedoes doesnot not give happiness.You You will not sell sell one yours or your your appetite not one finger finger or eye eye of yours appetite for all his riches or cars!" for his riches cars!"

I saw and saw the the tears tearsof satisfaction satisfaction andgratefulness sratefulness

7I shine his eyes. shinein his eyes.

"ThankAllah!

"Thank Allah! Thank ThankAllah!", Allah!", He He said. said.

Very Very often often man man meets meets with incidents incidentsand and situasituations his life that make him unhappy. tions in his unhappy.Later, Later, that make recovershis when. and he recovers his consciousness reflects when.he consciousness and reflects incidentsand on he finds finds that his on such such incidents and situations, situations,he that his unhappiness unhappinesswas was simply reaction,and and that man simply aa reaction, that man reactdifferently, can can react differently, achieving achievingthereby higher aa therebyaa higher degree degreeof stability and tolerance if he he is is able stability and toleranceif able to to cope copewith the the situation. situation.

A neighbour neighbourof the Philosothe well-known well-known German GermanPhiloso(1724-1804) pher Immanuel Immanuel Kant pher Kant (1724-1804) had had aa cock cock whose whose crowing crowing annoyed annoyedhim and and distracted distractedhim got fed from from his his work. work. When he got fed up When he up with the the cock, cock, his servant he he sent servantto to buy buy it and and slaughter senthis slaughter it for his meal. meal. He his He invited invited aa friend friend of his his to meal to the the meal and them sat waiting for luch. luch. He He talked talked and both both of them sat waiting to to his his friend friend about the cock the annoyance about the cock and and the annoyanceit peaceand used to cause causeand and happihappiusedto and described describedthe the peace got rid of the ness he was was enjoying he had had got the nesshe after he enjoying after cock's the When the broughtin the cock'scrowing. crowing. When the servant servantbrought neighbourrefused refusedto food food he he explained that their to explainedthat their neighbour purchasedone sell his cock he purchased one from from the the sell his cock and and so so he market. consciousof the the market. Kant Kant became becamesuddenly suddenlyconscious fact fact the the cock cockwas was still still crowing. crowing. the the philospher,I well-known Thinking rvell-known philospher, Thinking of this this

8 found that that he he felt miserable miserablebecause found becauseof the the cock's cock's cry, and he also happyalthough cry, andhe felt happy alsofelt the cock althoughthe cock was was still crowing. crowing. Nothing Nothing had still had changed; changed;the the change change was inside inside himself. himself. It was was was the the inner inner man, man, not not the the cock,that that made madehim happy cock, happyor unhappy! unhappy!

I sleep sleepin my house, house,not not disturbed disturbedby the the rolnoise of cars ling noise cars and and their their horns horns in the the street streetnor by salesmen's salesmen'sloud loud voices. voices. Yet, Yet, the the sound soundof aa footstepor aa whisper whisper inside footstep inside my bedroom bedroomwould would wake me. me. If If I sleep wake sleep in the the train, train, even even the the talk of thosesitting sittingnext next to those to me me will not not disturb disturbmy sleep. sleep.

What makes makes me me endure What endure the the rumbling rumbling noises noisesof cars carsand and salesmen, salesmen,or the the train, train, though though aa whisper whisper footstepwould would rouse rouseme or footstep from my sleep? sleep? me from is because becausesensation It is sensationis is like like aa light which, which, when on, on, makes makesthings you visible when things around visible whether whether aroundyou pleasingor displeasing you, and they they are arepleasing to you, displeasingto and when when you fail to is off you noises in the it is to hear hear the the noises the street street though thoughthey they are are louder. louder. In fact, fact, you you heard heardthe the low your bedroom whisper in your you directed whisper bedroombecause becauseyou directed your sensation you sensationand your and attention attention to to it; while while you missedother missed othersounds soundsbecause you kept kept them becauseyou them out out of your perception perceptiondespite your despitetheir their loudness, loudness,so they disso they disappear do big things things in darkness. appearas as do darkness.

Why not not divert divert your your attention attentionand and sensation sensation from all discomforts from life? Not all discomforts discomfortsof life? discomforts penetrateinto penetrate into your your heart. heart. Only what YOU allow Only what allow

9 your heart into into your heart willingly will enter, enter, like aa king king who who allows into his his fortress fortressby leaving allows the the enemy enemyinto leaving its walls. aa hole hole in its walls. So not strengthen So why not strengthen and and pains fortify ourselves against pains and discomforts? ourselves against and discomforts? men of equal physicalstrength Two men strengthmay may carry cary equalphysical the load: the if he the same sameload: the first may may complain complain as as if he carried carried double weight; while double weight; while the the other may laugh laugh and if he he carried nothing. othermay and sing sing as as if carriednothing. physique may suffer Two men men of similar physique from may similar suffer from pessimisticallyand illness:one the the same sameillness: may react reactpessimistically one may and always alwaysimagine imaginedeath, increasingillness: death, thereby thereby increasing illness: while the patiently, feel while may endure the other other may endure patiently, feel optimistic optimistic and recovery,thereby and expect expect sooner soonerrecovery, thereby goodhealth. expediting expeditinggood health.

Bismark, Bismark,the geniusof the man man of iron iron and and blood, blood,genius peace,could war and give up war andpeace, not give couldnot up smoking smokingfor one one moment;he he used moment; usedto to light one onecigarette cigarettefrom from anothanoththe day. er all the day. Without smoking, he was was not not able smoking, he able plan or take to to think, think, plan appropriateaction. take appropriate action. Once, Once, while in war, while war, he he found found only one one cigarette cigarettein pocket, so put off smoking his his pocket, he put so he smokingit to to the time the time hardship. He hardship.

He waited waited for aa full week week without without smoking, hopeof using smoking,entertaining entertainingthe the hope usingthis this cigarcigarrealizedthat he was ette ette in time. time. He He realized that he was able to do do able to without without smoking smokingall all this this time. time. He He decided decidedto to stop stop good because smoking not want want his his smokingfor good becausehe he did did not happiness happinessto to be be dependent dependenton on aa single singlecigarette. cigarette.

10 10 Imagineaa man man whose wasexhausted Imagine whosebody body was exhaustedwith illness, and illness, and that that suddenly suddenly he he noticed noticed aa snake snake jumped out crawling.towards him and crawling towardshim and at at once oncejumped out of his bed he were his bedas asif he health and werefull of health vigour...or andvigour... or man who aa man who returned returnedhome home exhausted hunger exhaustedwith hunger and and looking only for aa chair rest on chair to to rest on when when he he receivedaa call from aa dear personsaying received dearperson saying he he was was letter from the coming, coming, or an an urgent urgent letter the Minister calling him with the promotion,he ing the news newsof promotion, he would would feel feel light-heartedand light-hearted andfull up up and and would would hurry hurry up up to to the the station stationin the the former former or to the Minister's Minister's office to the office in latter. the latter. the powersare Suchpowers Such arethe the source sourceof happiness! happiness! readers! You are Dear readers! you do Dear are rich, rich, but not but you do not realize how wealthy you are. realize wealthy you are. Some Some may may suffer suffer from headache, headache,toothache from which makes toothacheor colic, colic. which makes feel that them them feel that life is is dark. dark. Why did they not see they not see the bright side side of life when when they the they were healthy? If were healthy?

If goeson someonegoes someone on aa diet, diet, he he will long long for aa mouthmouthful of bread bread or meat meat and and envy envy those thosewho who enjoy enjoy foods. Why did variousfoods. pleasures various he not not value valuethe dicihe the pleasures food before before his his illness? iilness'i Why does of food doesman man recogrecognize nize the the value value of boons boons and bounties only when he and bounties when he loses them? loses them? Why does man lament the does an lament the an old man passingof his his youth, youth, while while the the young young man man fails to passing fails to smile his smile at youth? at his vouth?

1111 Why are are we aware aware of of happiness happiness only only when when itit is is Why us? far from us?

Almost everybody everybody is lamenting lamenting and and yearning yearning about past! Why not think about the the his past! to of the the past? past? present before before it becomes becomes part part of present

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We may ttrink think that richness richness can can be be attained attained possession of money money alone. alone. What What can can money money by possession alone give to man? man? You may may have have heard heard of the the alone give most delicious sick king who was brought the most delicious the was brought sick any of them. them. meals, but he he was was unable unable to eat eat any meals, his Once, window of his looking through through aa window was looking he was Once, he farmer eating palace, his eyes caught aa farmer eating palace, when when his eyes caught pushing one one brown olives: pushing black olives: bread with black brown bread his mouthful into his mouth, taking a second in his a second mouth, taking into his mouthful king The king hand, third. The his eyes on aa third. eyeson settinghis hand, and and setting an suchan wished enjoyedsuch and enjoyed farmer and had been beenaa farmer he had wishedhe appetite. appetite. health?

Why don't valueof health? the value you recognize recognizethe don't you to would agree Is there no value for health?

Who would agree to Who health? no vaiue Is there dollars, give thousanddollars, hundredthousand for aa hundred sightfor give up his sight up his millionaire? or richesof aa millionaire? for the the riches part of his nosefor his nose or part to happinessto Gold give life life and andhappiness moneycannot cannotgive andmoney Gold and and safe,and largesafe, every his his large enterecl Rothschildentered man.Rothschild everyman. he died and while he was inside, its door banged and he died its door banged inside, he was while gold we seeking seeking gold in are we gold. Why Why are of gold. in aa sea seaof

I2 12 anxiously thoughwe possess we possess anxiously though ample gold? Isn't amplegold?

Isn't sight as preciousas as precious gold? And sight as gold?

And health.....and health.....and time...and and the the human time... ....all these human mind, mind, too, too,....all these aretreasures. treasures.

Why don't are Why don'twe we make makethe the best bestof of our our time?....

Why don't don'twe we recognize recognizethe time? ... Why life? thevalue valueof of life?

Why don't don'twe we make makethe Why thebest bestuse useof of our our minds? minds?

Health,time time and and mind mind are Health, are an an invaluable invaluablewealth wealth that may lead man that may lead man to to happiness happinessif he he takes takesthe the right way. right ,< :r ,< *** But what what is is the the right right way way to goal which to that rhat goal which is is pursued by by man man everywhere pursued everywhereand and at at all all times times throughouthistory? history? throughout *There are are several *There several trends trendsthat that describe describethe the reality of happiness reality happiness and its and the the way way leading leadingto its attainment attainment by man. man. The The major major trends trends can can be be summed summed up up as as follows: follows: 1.

1. Spiritualistic Spiritualistic School, School, in which which philosophers philosophers and and theosophists theosophists believe believe that that real real happiness happiness consists consists essentially essentially in spiritual spiritual life.

2.

2. Materialistic Materialistic School School or theory, theory, which which upholds upholds that real materialism. that real happiness happiness lies lies in materialism.

3. Rationaiistic Rationalistic School, School, in which which rationalists rationalists believe that believe that happiness happiness can can be be attained attained only only by by reason reason and and logic. logic.

133 1 4. Islamic Islamic Trend, Trend, which states states that that the the three three types types the spiritual, spiritual, the the material material and and the the rational rational of life: the life if are together essential elements happy happy if of essential elements together are they are are ruled ruled by the the Islamic Islamic belief, belief, practice practice and and they is because because man man is is a combination combination of values. That That is values. those very very three three ingredients: ingredients: the the body, body, mind mind and and those spirit: the body body is is nourished nourished by food food and drink, and drink, spirit: the and the the mind by knowledge knowledge and the and experiments, experiments,and the faith spirit it is is sound soundfaith goodness....But faith and and goodness....But spirit by faith gives aa realistic that realistic and gives healthy spirit spirit and up aa healthy that builds builds up position in this this and man'sposition explanation of man's and truthful explanation universe, the basic basicconcept conceptof Reality and and the Divine Reality universe,Divine and the Attributes of God, God, and PerfectAttributes and Perfect the Oneness Onenessand "Allah" here for name going to the name use the here we we are are going to use God with any any distortions distortions is not not associated associatedwith God as as it is added polytheism,trinity trinity idolatry,polytheism, addedby upholders upholdersof idolatry, gods. and falsegods. worshippersof false otherworshippers andother Let modern and evils evils of modem Let us us consider the crimes crimesand considerthe rapes,drug abuse, societies: drug abuse, murders,suicides, suicides,rapes, societies:murders, psychorobberies, thefts, psychoneurological, sexual,neurological, andsexual, robberies, thefts,and juvenileand and logical, and manyother otherabnonnalities abnormalities andmany logical,juvenile the disorders... becauseof the void man man suffers suffersbecause the void disorders...the human from of true faith that springs from human absence true faith that springs absence reasonand and with logic, logic,reason nature not conflict conflictwith anddoes doesnot natureand lack awareof science ....the lack of awareestablished facts facts science....the established in this this ness existencein man'sexistence realaim behindman's thereal aim behind nessof the

I4 14 universe,i.e., i.e.,to universe, to build build and andestablish establishan an ideal idealand and soundsociety societycontrolled controlledby sound by the the instructions instructionsand and injunctionsof his his Merciful Merciful and injunctions andWise Wise Creator Creatorso so as as to free free man man from from destructive destructivedrives to drives and inclinaand inclinations,and andthe the world world from from injustice tions, injusticeand andtyranny.... tyranny....

In fact, fact,Islam, In Islam, and andonly only Islam, Islam,is is the thetrue trueSaviour Saviour humanity and of humanity all problems and and the the answer answerto problems to all and questions facedby questions faced Ot man.

-ur; * ** ** The happiness happinessIslam The Islam achieves achievesfor man man has hastwo two major domains: domains: major l i fe , both 1. This wordly l v life, b o th on o n the th e individual i n dividual and collective collective levels.It levels.Itseeks give man and seeksto to give man aa happy happy free of cares cares and and evils, evils, characterized life free characterizedby sound faith. faith. It is is aa life in which sound which every every thing rhing placedat shouldbe be placed at the the service should serviceof man: man: "And He (Allah) has He (Allah) hassubjected "And you, as subjectedto to you, asfrom from Him, all that that is is in the the heavens heavens and and on on earth: earth: behold, are Signs behold, in that that are indeed for those those who who Signs indeed (Qur'an reflect."

45:13) reflect." (Qur'an 45:13) Everything is made made available available by AlEverything in nature nature is lah lah for the the use use of man man through through the the genius genius and and fafaculties culties Allah has has given given to to man. man.

Yet, as if if they they Yet, many many people people behave behave adversely adversely as were were created created to serye serve wealth wealth and and be be slaves slaves to the losing thereby thereby the pleasures pleasures and and luxuries luxuries of life, iosing their of will will and and becomine becoming servants servants of of their freedom freedom of

15 15 transient transient trivial trivialities ities instea instead d of of being being servan servants ts-the of of their Benef their Beneficent icent Susta Sustainer iner and and Cheri Cf,erist sher, er, the Eternal Eterna andAlmig l and Almighry hty Allah.

Allah.

As for for the As theCollec Collective tive aspect aspect, , Islam Islamembra ces all embraces all rules and rules and princi principles ples contri contributing buting to to aa happy happy society, societ whether. y, wheth er aa family family, , aa nation nationor on on larger furg., scale,i.e., scale, i.e.,on on the theintem international ationa llevel level. .

2. The Etern 2.

Eternal Life after Death al Life Death::

The Life after The after death deathis is aa demon demonsrration stration of Divine Divin Justice. e Justic e. That That day day is is aa must must for the the achievement achiev ement of retribu retributive juiticee and tive justic and settlem ent settlement of- all all injust of injustices ices and and outsta outstanding nding accou nts, and accounts, and at the the same at sametime time for the the gener generous ous ieward reward of good good acts. Since acts.

Sincewe we believ believe e that that Allah Allah is is the the One and One-and Orly God Only God with with perfect perfec t attribu attributes, tes, it would would be be illogical illogic to entert al to entertain ain the the notion notion that that He He will leave leave justice justic e unfulf unfulfilled. illed. This This life iife - so so full of wrong *.o"gr,s, crimes, crime inconveniences, s, incon venien ces, good good deeds deedsunrewarrCed, unrewarded, and and many many human huma n affairs affairs unsettled unsettled _ - is is in fact fact luii just an an introdu introductory ctory chapter chapter which whichprepares prepares for the the book book of eternal eterna l life life in which which .lustice justic e i, is ,.i,or.A restored and u a person person meers gd meets with his his (or her) her) just deserts. deserts.

The The rvrong-doers wrong-doers who who have have persisteii persisted in their their sins sins and and wrong-doing wrong-doing and and failed failed io to repent repent and give and give up -punishmlnr up sound sound conducr conduct wiil will go go to endless endless punishment i; in Hell.

Hell. While rhose those with good good records records and and

16 16 and d and reward us rewar generous e genero receive will receiv deedswill ous deed,s righte righteous n Heave Heaven the the in ess l happin happiness eternal and eterna real and attain uttiin real That That Eden' n of Eden.

Garden the Garde ise or the Paradise Allah, in Parad of Allah, es to deserv deserves which which bliss, t bliss, perfect abodeof perfec is is the the abode man' man. by t sought trious ly sough industriously ely and and indus be sincerely be sincer on caps on handicaps lties and and handi difficulties some difficu be some may be There There may l faithfu faithful and and wise of wise d goal goal exalted this exalte to this road to the the road mmad Muhammad et Muha Prophet the Proph stated by the as stated e, as people, peopl is is "Hell that ttrat him) him) upon be upon ngs be blessingj and blessi (Peace and tp.i." while while s, desires, watondesire s and and waton whims nded with whim surrou iunounded Such ips." Such hardships'" hardsh with nded surrou is n the Garden surrounded the Garde y goodl goodly man's man's of test a test as a serve as ips will serve hardsh hardships attainattainthe nce on on the insistence ul insiste truthful ind of his truthf nature natureand trader d. A trader rewar reward' and re and pleasu pleasure 's Allah's ment ment of Allah with up put put up-with and nights and ess nights sleepless may spend sleepl may spend l deal. deal' gainful s in order order to win aa gainfu us effort efforts arduo ardlous ness happi happiness of abode the abode in the life l etemal ver, the the eterna Howe However, ted compe ever competed hasever man has which man st deal dealwhich biggest is is the the bigge like? ise like?

Paradise is Parad what is But what n to to attain. attain. But or striven or strive Alof word word the the in found be found r can can only be answer The The answe His wordsof His the words us Qur'an Glorious His Glorio lah lah in His Qur'an or in the upol be upon ngs be blessi (Peace and blessings e and et (Peac Prophet ous Proph Graci Gracious afthe afon on, therity ne Autho Authority genuine the genui is ihe who is him), him), who the l and and the general n in genera unseen ind unsee seen and the seen fairs fairs of the reresuch such about about learnt leamt he he as ular, as particular, fter in partic Herea Hereafter AllAilthe from the ed from received ation receiv Revelation h Revel through alities alities throug -All-a*u.e, The the Allah.

Allah' ute Absol Absolute are, All-aw ng, knowi knowing,

n 17 righteous righte soul of ous soul of aa good good believ believer er return returns s to to its its Lord "well please pleased d and andwell well pleasi pleasing,,: ng": ..L:.d-'we.ll "(To.the.righteous "(To the righte ous soul soulwill will be bLsaid:) said:i "O (thou) (thou)soul, "0 soul,in (complete) in (comp lete) rest restand and satisfaction! satisfa ction!

"Come "Com backthou e back thou to to thy thy Lord, Lord, well-p well_pleased leased (thyself), (thyse lf), and andwell-p well-pleasing leasin g unto untoHim! Him! "Enter "Ente thou,then, r thou, then,amon among g my -y Devot Devotees! ees!

"Yea,enter "Yea, enterthou thouMy Heave Heaven!" n!"

(Qur'an, -i0) (Qur'a n, 89:27 Bg:Zl-30) The above abovepassag The passage e refers refersto to the the state stateof freedo freedom m and ease, ease,to and to the the final final and and everla everlasting sting stage ,rug. of o1 human huma n bliss, bliss, when when the the righte righteous ous soul soul of the the righteous righte believer, ous believ er, at at peace peacJwith with its its Lord, Lord, certain certain of its its way way and and fate, fate, is is welcomed welco med amon g those among those servants servan ts of AIIah Allah chose chosen n ro to enjoy enjoy this Divin e this bir,,ine graceand grace and to to receive receive Allah's Allah's me.cy mercy and protection. andprotection.

"Every "Ever y soul soul shall shall have have taste of^death: a taite of death: and and only on-the on the Day Day of Jud_gment Judgm ent shall shall you you U. be puiJ paid your your fullrecompense. full recom pense . Only Only he he whols who is .uu.d^ saved fu. far rrom from the the tstre Fire and and admitted admit ted to the the Garden Garde n will will have have succeeded: succe eded: for the the life of this this world world is is but gooAi goods and and chattels chattels of of deception."(Holy deception. "(Holy eur'an, Qur'an, f3:185 :tfS)) The The blessings blessi ngs of of paradise Paradise cannot canno t be be concei,ved conceived

188 1 of this things of therefore, things are not, therefore, and are life, and *in this life, world: world: the delights of the what delights knows what perso n knows "Now no person as a them as reserve) for them hidde n (in reserve) are kept hidden eye are eye Deeds." (good) Deeds"' their (good) reward for their reward ) 32:17 n, (Qur'a (Qur'an,32:t7) Prophet's the Prophet's given in the this is given explan An explanation ^ ation of this tradition upon him) tradition be upon blessings be and blessings (p.uce (Peace anO of ilation compilation comp Bukhari's menti oned in Imam bukhari's mentioned : Hadith Hadith: i'Ailuh ous righteous red for my righte prepared have prepa "Allah says: says: I have no no seen' seen, ever has ever eye has no eye which no ts that that which servan servants ever has ever mind has man'smind no man's , and and no hsard, ear ever heard has ever ear has ived. " conce conceived." the aboutthe us Qur'an Glorious the Glorio Qur'anabout We read read in the passages es blisspassag sting bliss everlasting ns of everla Gardens n or Garde Garde Garden s: follows: follow as runsas which runs ng of which the meaning the meani and men and ers, men llelievers' Believ to to sed promisecl promi "Aliah hath "Allah hath dwell to dwell f1ow,to riversf1ow, which rivers ns under underwhich n, Garde wome Gardens women, ns of Gardens in Garde ons in mansions ful mansi beautiful n, and and beauti therei therein, Good is the theGood st bliss blissis greatest the greate But the sting stay. stay. But everla everlasting re of God: God: Pleasu Pleasure 9:72) n, 9:72) (Qur'an, y." (Qur'a e felicit feiicity." suprem the is supreme That That is the you today today you on on be be shall shall fear fear es! No No "My devote "My devotees! " grieve" nor nor shall shallye Yegrieve

19 t9 "Those "Thos e who who have have believ ed in our believed our Signs Siens and and submi (to Us)." tted (to submitted Us)."

"Enter ye the the Garde Garden, n, ye ye and your wives and your wives, , in ._ "Ente r ye (beauty (beaut y and) and) rejoic rejoicing. ing.

"To them "To them will be passedround be passed round, , dishes dishesand and goblets goble ts of gold: gold: there there will wiil be be there there all that that the the souls souls could could desire desire, , all all that that the the eyes eyescould could deligh delight t in: in: and and ye ye shall shall abide abidetherei rherein n (for aye). aye).

"Suchwill be "Such be the the Garde Garden n of which which ye ye are are'made made heirs heirsfor for your your (good (good) (in life). ) deeds deeds(in life).

"Ye shall shall have havetherei therein n abund abundance ance of fruit, fruit. from from which which ye ye shall shalleat."

(Qur'an, eat." (Qur'a n, 43:68 43:6g-73) -73)

What What for sinner sinners s and and disobe disobedient dient crimin criminals? als?

"The Sinne punishment "The Sinners rs will will in the the Punishment of Hell, Hell. to to dwell dwell therei therein n (for aye): aye): "Nowise "Now ise will (punishment) will the the (punis hment) be be lighte lightened ned for them, them, and and in despa despair ir will they they be be there there overover_ whelm whelmed. ed.

"Nowise "Now ise shall shall We We be be unjust unjustto to them: them: but but it is is they theywho who have havebeen beenunjust unjustthems themselves." elves."

(Qur'an, (Qur'a n, 43:74 -76) 43:74-76) ****** ***** *

20 2A

The need need to to discuss discuss this this subject subject of of "happiness" "happiness" The some reasons various of various reasons some has arisen as a result of result a has arisen as : of which which may may be be summed summed as as follows follows: of (l) People People could could belong belong to to different different religious religious (1) denominations, or schools schools of of thought, thought, could denominations, and aspirations, wishes have different feelings, wishes and aspirations, feelings, have different are apparently apparently in in total agreement agreement about about yet they are one goal goal in their their life life:: that that is the puisuit pursuit of one ihe happiness. happiness. true of all persons persons -- believers believers and and This is true poor, rich and ruled, non-believers, rulers and ruled, rich and poor, and non-believers, rulers happiness. they achievehappiness. to achieve they all toil to

human all human consensusof all (2) the consensus (2) Notwithstanding Notwithstandingthe however, is however, beings happiness,it is on seeking seeking happiness, beings on and individuals surprising how different individuals and different surylsing and chosen have people different groups different- groups of people have chosen and and ways and differing ways defined themselves differing foi themselves defined for so in go,al.

And to achieve this common gO,al.

And in so avenues this common avenuesto achieve have to seem to have of them themseem doing number of large number doing aa large goal and and this goal to this missed proper avenues avenues to the proper missed the any achieveany to achieve failed to have consequently failed have consequently only but lives happiness throughout their lives but only their happiness throughout betermed termed canbe what can have attainingwhat ln attaining have succeeded succeededin as "transitory" happiness happinessas as "illusory" and and "transitory" as "illusory"

21 21 oppos "real" and opposed ed to to "real" "permanent" and "penn anent" happin happiness. ess.

Hence Hence, , the the attem attempt pt in this this book book to re-dir r-e_direct ect these thesepeopl people e to to the the prope proper r course courseof action actionto to be be able ableto to achiev achieve e the the sough sought-after t-after happin happiness. ess.

The above above,as ,as well as as many many other other reason reasons, s, _ The have have led led to to our our discus discussion sion of this this impor importani tant subjec subject t with aa sincer sincere e hope hope that that this this treatis ireatise e would would prove prove of help help to to many many who who are areearnes earnestly tly search searching ing for real real happi happiness. ness.

22 22

DEFINITION OF OF HAPPINESS HAPPINESS DEFINITION

WHAT IS IS HAPPINESS? HAPPINESS? WHAT 'Webster's According to 'Webster's Third New New International International Rccorditg of Dictionary', happiness happiness is a state state of well-being well-being Dictionary', characterized by relative perrnanence, pennanence, by domicharacteri2edbyielative nantly agreeable agreeable emotion emotion ranging ranging in value value from nantly mere contentment contentment to deep deep and and intense intense joy joy in mere living, and and by a natural natural desire desire for its continuation. continuation. this tenn and and its its "In tle the distinction distinction between between this term blessedness beatitude,blessedness, synonyms (i.e., felicity, felicity, beatitude, synonyms (i.e., general as the the general bliss), HAPPINESS"', as definesHAPPINESS" Uiiss),it defines pleasureable or pleasureable tenn enjoyment of or denoting enjoyment term denoting fulfillment or fulfillment security, satisfaction in well-being, security, or in well-being, satisfaction or elevated bookish more of wishes.

FELICITY, a more bookish or elevated wishes.FELICITY, a or lasting,or more lasting, higher, more word, may denote denote aa higher, word, may in refersin BEATITUDE refers more happiness.BEATITUDE perfect happiness. more perfect of felicity the happiness, this the felicity of hlghesthappiness, thehighest to the this sense senseto deep the deep suggeststhe the BLESSEDNESS suggests theblessed. blessed.BLESSEDNESS by acceptance of or pure affection or of acceptance by joy joy of affection ofpure God. God. assured andassured completeand BLISS to aa complete may apply apply to BLISS may felicity." felicity." define psychology andpsychology of and define Some of education education students Somestudents of or state feeling HAPPINESS as the continued feeling or state of continued HAPPINESSas the the joy from emanatingfrom the delight, and andjoy emanating contentment, delight,contentment,

23 23 perrnanent penna nent sense senseof self-g self-goodness, oodness, goodn goodness ess of life life andgoodn goodness and ess of man's man'sdestin destiny. y.

SOUR SOURCES CES OF OF HAPP HAPPINESS INESS Different Differ ent indivi individuals duals and and group groups s of peopl people e may may have differ have differenr ent ideas ideas with wirh regard .egaid to to the the best best ways of achiev ways achieving ing happin happiness. ess. Howe However, ver, there there are are several severa l theori theories es and and specu speculations lations which which many manv aa people share people share as as consti constituting tuting the the main main source sources s of happiness. happin ess. These Thesemay may be be classif clasiified ied as asfollow follows s:: (1) Wealt (1) Wealth h (2) Rank (2) Rankand position. andpositi on.

(3) Educa (3) Educational tional achiev achievements ement s (Academic (Acad emic and andHono Honorary rary Degre Degrees). es).

(4) Fame (4) Fame(i.e., (i.e.,in politic politics, s, arts, aits,sports sporrs, , scienc science, e, etc.). etc.).

(1) HAPP (1) HAPPINESS INESS IN WEA WEALTH LTH Wealth Wealt probably, h if, is, proba bly, the the eleme element nt mostly mostly assoasso_ ciated, ciated , if _not not synon synonymous, ymou s, with with happi happiness ness as as manypeople many peopl e think. think. This This under understand stand ing ing so so deepdeep_ rooted in the rooted the hearts hearts of so so many many, , to the extent toihe extent that almos almost.everywhere t every where people peopl e are are engro engrossed ssed in tut the acquis the acquisition ition of wealth. wealth. They ih.y look towards look towards wealth.as wealth as the the primal prima l consti constituent tuent of happiness happiness to to the the point point that that for them them the the two two are are entwin entwined. ed.

24 24

How happy happy are those those men men and and women women who who own own are How ^empires, and land of business empires, wide expanses expanses of land and wide business etc? estates, large bank deposits, etc? estates,largebank dePosits, Many indeed indeed are are those those people people who who own own millions millions Many or even billions but but are are suffering suffering from from an an almost almost "u"t of result as a permanent lack of of peace peace of of mind as of pernanent fear the wealth their the have wealth the fear over have they fear tire of, say, say, political political turmoils, turmoils, market market movements, movements, wars, piund^ers, plunders, theft, theft, etc. etc. And not only does does such such wars, people but for these fear lead to sleepless nights these people nights fear lead sleepless and attacks evep tensions, tensions, mental mental anguish, anguish, heart heart attacks and eve1t the reportsin the across deaths.

Very often one comes across reports comes one often deaths. media such as the following : media such as the financial * Fortunes lives follow in financial and lives lost and Fortuneslost ! market crash.....! marketcrash.....

* A Tokyo rently apparently afterappa himself after shothimself tradershot Tokyo trader market--! losing stockmarket..! in the the stock moneyin losingmoney * to rushedto wasrushed manwas * Australia's richestman Australia's richest Sunday' hospital condition,Sunday, seriouscondition, in serious hospitalin after ... ! attack....! heartattack. sufferingaaheart aftersuffering has happiness thathappiness Understanding has acceptingthat and accepting Understandingand wealth of nothing amassmentof wealth isis with amassment do with to do nothing to ever wecan canever realizationwe perhaps liberatingrealization mostliberating themost perhapsthe come to. cometo. lives thelives from the Ample availablefrom readilyavailable materialisisreadily Amplematerial

25 25 of many many peopl people prove our e to to prove our dictum "wealth dictum"weal th is is not equal equal to happin happiness". ess".

QAAR UN OAARUN Qarun (Kora) 's (Kora ) story story serves Qarun's serves as as aa typica typical l ex-am ex^-ample ple of opule opulent nt peopl people e whose whose wialth wealth infuse infused d them them with pride pride and and arroga arrogance nce and and made madethem them forget forget the role the role of wealth wealthin man's life. inhan's life.

Wealt Wealth h should shouldbe be used used for the the achiev achievement ement of the the welfa welfare re of man man and and his his societ society y in accoraccor_ dance dance with with the the will and and comm commandments andme nts of AlAl_ might mighty y Allah, Allah, Who Who has has grante granred d man man his his exisexis_ tence, tence, facult faculties, ies, powers, power s, susten sustenance ance and and resources. resour ces.

His His story storyis is told told in in the theHoly Qur'an : eur'an: ""......Such Such were were the the treasu treasure re We We had had bestow bestowed ed on on him, him, that that their their very very keys keys would would have havebeen been aa burde burden n to to aa body body of strong strongmen. men. Behol Behold, d, his his people said people saidto to him: him: Exult Exult not, not, for Allah Allah loveth loveth not not those those who who exult (in riches exult (in riches)." )." (Qur'a (eur'an, n, 28:76 2g:76) ) Then, Then, "So he "So he went went forth forth amon g his among his people people in the the (pride of his (pride his wordl wordly) y) glitter glitter;. (eur'an, ". (Qur'a n,28:7 2g:79) 9)

When When he he was was in the rhe hey-d hey-day ay of his glory, his glory, world worldly ly peopl people e envied enviedhim him and and thoug thought ht how now hapnap_ py py they they would would be be if if only only they they were werein in his his place. place.

26 26

But wise wise people people were were not not dazzled dazzled by

by Qaarun's Qaarun's But the realized fabulous wealth, because they realized the trantranthey because wealth, fabulous were they and treasures of worldly treasures and they were sient nature sient nature of worldly certain that that the the true true wealth wealth is is the the reward reward of of AlAlcertain bewho those lah (in the Hereafter) for those who befor (in Hereafter) the lah and work work rightesousness. rightesousness. (Vide the Qur'an, Qur'an, lieve and 28:80) 28:80)

Qaarun lived ostentatiously ostentatiously and and appeared appeared to Qaarun many of his his people people "a lord of of mighty mighty good good *uny appearance glorious fortune." They They admired admired his his glorious appearance fortune." 'illusory was 'illusory this was but forgot his reality.

All this reality. his forgot but just like happiness, happines' just like transienthappiness, least,transient at least, or, at happineJ'or, aa dream movie. dreamor aa movie. that to all that happenedto What was the end?

What happened end? What the What was arrogance? pomp, wealth, pride and arrogance? pomp, wealth, Pride and ^ up him to swallow swallow up "Then, earth to the earth "T'hen.We We caused causedthe parlittle) par(theleast leastlittle) not (the and hadnot he had andhe house;and his house; andhis defend he could nor could he defend ty Allah, nor againstAllah, him against helphim ty to to help himself."

(Qur'an28:81) 28:81) himself."(Qur'an

CHRISTINA ONASSIS CHRISTINAONASSIS which story which Here lies another eventful story ti"J another eventful H.t. the whatever wealth, whatever the proved that wealth, doubtthat beyonddoubt proved beyond for basisfor thebasis bethe itselfbe amount by itself cannotby holds,cannot o.teholds, imountone is the Here happiness! of real happiness!

Here is the the achievement the achievementof real of mindsof the minds story the yearsdominated <iominated for years which for story which

21 27 writers, reporters reportersand writers, and newsmen, newsmen,as as well well as as the the pages of newspapers, newspapers,books pages of books and and magazines! magazines!

Thisisis the thestory storyof of Christina This Christina Onassis Onassis-- daughter daughter of the the famous famous Greek Greektycoon, of Onassis, tycoon,Aristotle Aristotle Onassis, who owned ownedfleets fleets of who of ships ships and and aeroplanes, aeroplanes, lakes and andislands, islands,real realestates, lakes huge estates, hugebank bank deposdeposits, etc. etc. Following Following the the death its, death of her her father, farher, Christina was was the the only Christina only one one left lefr behind behind as as the the legal heiress heiressto the vast to the vast resources resourcesof her father legal her father besidesher her late late father's father'ssecond besides secondwife wife Jacqueline Jacqueline Kennedy.The The enormous enornous liquid Kennedy. liquid inheritances inheritances were to the tune of billions of dollars were to the tune billions dollarsbesides besidesthe the immovable properties, properties,the immovable the fleet fleet of ships ships and and aeroplanes,lakes lakesand aeroplanes, and islands, islands, real real estates, estates,large large bank deposites,etc etc What What an bank deposites, an inheritance inheritancethat that was! Certainly, Certainly, to to the was! judgment, reasoning, the judgment, reasoning, feelings and and standards standardsof most someon~ feelings most people, people, someor\e inheriting such a huge fortune should inheriting such huge fortune be the the should be happiest happiest person person on on earth earth -- but but was was this this true true for Christina?

Christina? The The answer answer to to this this question question can can only only be be arrived arrived at at after after going going through through the the following following pages pages which which briefly briefly explain explain the the known known course.of course.of her her life. life.

Christina Christina got got married married to an an American American during during her her father's father's lifetime; lifetime; but only only a lew few months months thereafter thereafter the the marriage marriage broke broke up and and ended ended up in divorce. of her her father, father, she she got got divorce. After the the death death of

28 28 married a Greek Greek for the the second second time but married to a their marriage lasted only a few months, ifif not months, their marriage lasted weeks, before it was was all over! over! weeks,before Christina stayed out marriage for quite quite some some of marriage Christinh stayedout time happy life outside outside time apparently'looking apparently'lookingfor a happy the However, that that happiness happiness did marriagebond. bond. However, the marriage not a few years years had had elapsed, elapsed, after a materializeand, and, after not materialize she a life of happiness happiness under under shefelt like trying to find a her the marriage bond once again. time This time once again. the marriage bond choice completely was from aa completely husband was choice for aa husband Russia! To many different many from communist communistRussia! camp from differentcamp who this step, step, westem life, this free style style western knew her her free who knew perturbing or indeed, if not perturbing an interesting, interesting,if indeed,became becamean excruciating when once once asked asked experience.And when excruciating experience. ready had aa ready shehad by pressman of this this move, move, she by aa pressman am answer short,but frank: frank: "I am was simple, which was simple, short, answerwhich searching for happiness." for searching happiness." previousmarriages marriageswere Of course, were her two two previous course, her since they they both West; and and since with both men from from the the West; with men "discover" she could failed, that she could "discover" failed, she she thought thought that was But here here too too she East.But shewas some happinessin the the East. some happiness with no guarantees. luck only no guarantees. her luck only trying trying out out her her for aa second secondtime time pressmeninterviewed interviewedher When When pressmen for am searching reply was: was: "I am searchingfor her her unchanged unchangedreply ¡ , hhappiness..! appmess... marriagein her marriage was she happy about about her But was she really reaily happy But the hardlv remained Never!

Russia?

Russia?Never! She She hardly remained with the

29 29 Russian for for more more than Russian than aa year yearbefore beforesh~ she eventually divorced him! eventually divorced him!

Apparently, that that was wasnot not the Apparently, the end endof of the themarriage marriage "dilemma".Back Back in in Europe "dilemma".

Europeshe shedecided decidedto give itit to give one more more final final try one try this this time time with with aa French French industrialist, the the fourth fourth husband industrialist, husbandfrom from aa fourth fourth different country in hardly hardly aa period period of different country in of two two years! years!

What aa miserable miserableand andunsecured unsecuredlife it has What hasbeen. been.It wasduring during one one of those was those occasions occasions at party at aa party relating to to this this last last marriage relating marriage that pressman that aa pressman askedher her whether whethershe asked she was was the richestwoman the richest woman "yes! andher her frank frank reply reply went went as and follows: "Yes! I am as follows: am richestwoman the richest womanbut .." the but the the unhappiest.. unhappiest...."

The marriage marriagewith the the French French industrialist The industrialistwent went planned ahead as ahead as planned but but it took took only only aa few few months monthsto to existbefore wasall gone! gone! exist before it was Having Having failed failed to achieve achieve happiness happiness under under marriage marriage life, life, Christina Christina vowed vowed not not to marry marry again again and and endeavoured achieve happiness happiness "on "on her her endeavoured to achieve own". own". However, However, happiness happiness was was impossible impossible for her even even on her own and and she she spent spent the the rest rest of her life in a desperate desperate manner manner full full of of frustrations frustrations and of frenzy travels and dissappointments dissappointments and and of frenzy travels between between the the world's world's major cities cities until, until, finally, finally, she she was found lying dead was found dead inside inside a hotel hotel in Argentina.

Argentina.

Who Who killed killed her? her? She She committed committed suicide! suicide! Whar What an an unhappy unhappy ending ending 1br for aa very, very, very very wealthy wealthy lady! lady!

30 30

Was her wealth wealth able able to buy her happiness? happiness?

Was NEVER, N D E E D !!!!!

NE VE R ,IINDEED!!!!!

(2) (2) HAPPINESS HAPPINESS IN RANK RANK ANpgOSITION ANDPOSITION Could real real happiness happiness be attained attained through through the the Could rank or position position in society? society? acquirement of high rank acquirement many the the answer answer is in the the affirmative. affinnative.

To many deep insight insight in This is apparently apparently due due to lack lack of deep This rank or position position and the responsibiliresponsibilithe nature nature of rank and the the any ties which which they they involve. involve. In Islam, Islam, holding holding any ties foremost position, rank rank or office is first and and foremost position, an constitutes regarded as a trust and, therefore, constitutes an therefore, trust and, a regardedas responsimoral responsiobligation, as moral as well as legal as and aa legal obligation,and such be entrusted entrustedwith such bility. Therefore, to be thoseto Therefore,those possessed who are of roles could only be citizens who are possessed rolescould only be citizens virtue. and virtue. integrityand unquestionable integrity competence, unquestionablecompetence, personcan shoulOnly can shouland competent competentperson righteousand Only aa righteous for positionor officefor der or office his position anduse usehis responsibilityand derresponsibility public welfare. public welfare. justice dispensejustice to dispense Such a personwould be able able to would be Such a person promote sound sound based and promote moral value value and on moral based on enhance promote and administration.

He would promote and enhance He would administration. their people by handling their the by handling his people well-beingof his the well-being is in accordance accordancewith affairs that is manner that affairs in aa manner his eam his would earn he would public return,he In return, interest. In public interest. coopand cooployalty and people's support,loyalty obedience,support, people's obedience, job his job doing his eration. love doing he would would love Thus, he eration. Thus,

3l 31 becauseultimately ultimatelyhe because hewould would be be blessed blessed with with joy, happiness,contentment happiness,contentment joy, and andsatisfaction. satisfaction.

However,any person who any person However, who is is entrusted entrustedwith with auauthority over overothers thority does not conduct his othersand and doesnot conducthis affairs affairs justiceand on the thebasis basisof of justice on moralstandards, andmoral standards,would would definitelybe responsiblefor be responsible definitely for maladministration. maladministration. positionwould His position would only His only be be aa source sourceof misery miseryand and corruptionwith with issues issuessuch corruption suchas asthe thefollowing: following: *Lossof public confidence. of public *Loss confidence. *Rift betweenthe the ruler ruler and *Rift between andthe the ruled. ruled. *Tension,fear fear and and insecurity insecurityof life and *Tension, and position part on the the part of the position on the ruler. ruler. *The ruler's ruler'sinternal intemal restlessness restlessness *The and and agoniesof conscience. conscience. agonies *Upsurgeof enemies enemiesand *Upsurge andoppositions oppositions from amongst amongstthe the ruled. from ruled. *Ruler going goingto greatlengths to great lengthsto protect *Ruler protect position - at his position at times timesat his any cost, cost, even even at any if that that may if may mean mean the the shedding shedding of blood. blood. *Public revolt. *Public revolt. *Coups *Coups d'etat. d'etat. *Assassinations. *Assassinations.

Hardly does does a year year pass pass by around around the the world without of miserable miserable falls, falls, without closing closing with the the news news of overthrows overthrows and/or and/or assassinations assassinations of of unwanted unwanted

32 32 rulers, kings, kings, emperors, emperors, premiers, premiers, presidents, presidents, etc. etc. rulers, Recent cases include the following: following: the Recent casesinclude The Shah Shah of of Iran The Shah Shah of of Iran who once once organized organized an an internainternaof tional ceremony ceremony to commemorate commemorate the the passing passing of tional "Persian state"!

2500 years since the of "Persian state"! of the birth the years since 2500 when the the end end came came it was was heavy. heavy. He was was But when "chased" out of his country country by a massive massive public public "chased"out of his life "wandering" "wandering" revolt the rest rest of spent the and spent revolt and from another until he he eventually eventually country to another one country from one of a result a as died a miserable death in Egypt as result Egypt death died a miserable chronic cancer. chroniccancer.

Ferdinand Marcos FerdinandMarcos "owned" the the yearsliterally literally "owned" The 20 years who for for 20 man who Theman "family were aa "family Philippines as if it were ruled it as and ruled Philippines and was He was end. He terrible end. enterprise", to aa terrible came to enterprise", came and massesand themasses by the "thrown" "thrown"out his country countryby of his out of various in exile spent several years thereafter in exile in various thereafter years spent several being fear of of being for fear securityfor "hide-outs" "hide-orrts"under tight security undertight murdered. murdered. self-proclaimed the self-proclaimed Jean Bokassa, the Bedel Bokassa, Jean Bedel Atiica.

CentralAfrica.

"Emperor"of of Central "Emperor" Republicof of the theRepublic his coronation for his coronation who spent spentfor Here man who was aa man Herewas national gross national total gross more country'stotal his country's than his more than

33 33 product.

He was waslater later toppled product. He toppledby his countrymen by his countrymen and at presenthe at present he is is serving servingaa life-imprisonment and life-imprisonment sentence. sentence.

NicolaeCeausescu Ceausescu Nicolae The "puregold" man dwelt palacebuilt dweltin in aa palace The man built in in "pure gold" for for period of more "owner" of more than than20 20 years yearsas aa period asthe the "owner" Romania! To To suppress suppressaa public public revolt Romania! revolt he he used used tanks and and artillery artillery so so that tanks that by the the end end of the the revolution 64,000 people were 64,000 people revolution were reported reportedto to have have beenkilled in the the cities. cities.He He was been was later later caught caughtwhile while trying to to escape escapeout out of his trying his country country and and was was "slaughtered"before "slaughtered" beforethe the eyes public! eyesof the thepublic!

Rajiv Gandhi Gandhi Rajiv He was assassinated public and He was assassinated in public andclosed closedthe the chapchapter an unpopular dynasty. unpopular dynasty. ter of an The The list is is inexhaustive. inexhaustive. It is is a wonder. wonder, however. however, how common - but but the the how all evil men men have have much much in common sure end of all is evil evil! sure end of is

34 5+ (3) EDUCATIONAL EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND HONORARY DEGREES) DEGREES) (ACADEMIC AND

Then, where where is happiness? happiness? Is it in obtaining obtaining the the Then, highest level level of of education education and and in earning earning doctorate doctorate highest degrees? degrees? true that that Islam Islam not only encourages encourages but also also It is true requires man man to seek seek knowledge knowledge and and live in the the requires life based way learning. Islam Islam is is a way of based on light of learning. are knowledge and Prophets are superstition.Prophets on superstition. and not on knowledge first the of divine knowledge, and the first dithe sources and knowledge, the sources divine (peace be Muhammad(peace be vine ProphetMuhammad to Prophet revelationto vine revelation meaning word "IQRA" meaning upon the word with the beginswith him) begins uponhim) be "READ". In that Allah,(Glorybe "READ". revelation,Allah,(Glory that same samerevelation, (Allah) taught man taughtman He (Allah) to that He mankindthat tells mankind to Him) tells "what he not he did did not "with the man "what pen" and taughtman and taught the pen" know". know". need on the theneed in Islam Islam on Much placed in is placed Much emphasis emphasisis Holy in the for excellent learning, that in the Holy that for excellent learning, teaches Him, teaches Qur'an, be to to Him, Glory be Allah, Glory Qur'an, Allah, mankind supplications: following supplications: mankindthe thefollowing in knowlme in knowl".....andsay ".....and advanceme Lord, advance my Lord, say0O my edge". ( Q u r ' a n22:114) 2, 2:l l 4 ) e d g e ".(Qur'an, Allah tells tells In another verse holy Qur'an, the holy of the In anotherverseof Qur'an,Allah mankind: mankind: servants His servants ".....those Allah among amongHis ".....thosetruly fearAllah truly fear (Qur'an, who (Qur'an, 35:28) 35:28) knowledge." whohave haveknowledge."

35 35 Yet, in in another another verse verseof Yet, of the the Holy Holy Qur'an, Allah Qur'an,Allah questions mankind: questions mankind: ".....arethey theyequal, equal,those thosewho ".....are who know know and andthose those who do (Qur'an,39:9) know?(Qur'an, do not not know? who 39:9) (peacebe ProphetMuhammad Muhammad(peace Prophet be upon him) also uponhim) left alsoleft behind many many authentic authenticsayings behind sayingsand andteachings teachingsin in this regard this regard emphasizing emphasizingthe importance and the importance and superiorityof knowledge.In knowledge.Inone superiority oneof these thesesayings, sayings, (peacebe the Prophet Prophet(peace the uponhim) be upon him) said saidthat that seeking seeking knowledge is every everyMuslim's knowledge is Muslim'sduty. duty.

Suchis is the Such the concept concept of Islam Islam with with regard regard to learning leaming that that it leaves leaves wide to wide open openall fields all fields thought before beforethe the human human intellect of thought intellectto penetrate to penetrate far as asfar as it could could reach. reach. It frees, as frees,and and lays lays down down no no restrictionsagainst, against,the the free-thinker restrictions free-thinkerwho who seeks seeks knowledgeto to widen widen his his vision knowledge vision and and broaden broadenhis his mind. mind. However, However, such intellectual development is suchintellectual development is not and could could not not and not be be pursued pursued as as an an absolute absoluteobjecobjective itself. It could tive in itself. not be be independent independent but but could not would would remain remain throughout throughout on on the the plane plane of faith faith with the the moral moral values values based based on on the the true true religion religion of Allah, Allah, that that is is Islam.

Islam.

It is is only only by doing doing so so that that a person's person's intellect intellect gets gets a compiete complete "nourishment" "nourishment" and and his his intellectual intellectual life becomes becomes enriched enriched so so as as to be be constructive constructive an<i and useful. useful. It It is only by such such integration integration of the the

3366 intellectual and and the the spiritual spiritual values values that that the the intellectual person's internal internal nature nature becomes becomes sound, sound, healthy healthy person's and happy. happy. However, However, ifif knowledge knowledge and and scientific scientific and research are are taken taken as as an an end end in themselves themselves at the the research cost of faith, faith, moral moral and and spiritual spiritual values, values, then then even even cost the most most learned learned man man would would "unhappily" "unhappily" be be the regressed to "the "the lowest lowest of of the the low" despite despite any any regressed and. honours honours qualifications, degrees, degrees, credentials credentials and qualifications, he may may have have possessed. possessed. While While advancement advancement in lie work well may knowledge and science alone may alone knowledge and science when it comes comes to the the treatment treatment of matter, matter, when yet, conclusive. takenas asconclusive. not be be taken yet, it could could not press across press Very comes across one comes frequently one Very frequently reports following : the following: reportssuch suchas as the jailed after he after he "A college was jailed PROFESSORwas collegePROFESSOR holding and womanand holding was kidnappingaa woman was accused accusedof kidnapping pleasfor his his pleasher weeks for two weeks closet for two her in aa closet prison year 99 10 to ure .....the charge carries a 10 to 99 year prison a ure.....thechargecarries sentence he admitted " thecharge charge...." to the admittedto sentence......he for fired for "A Standard LECTURER fired University LECTURER StandardUniversity will he yet he that carrying saidthat he on campus, campus,yet he said drugson carryingdrugs his not change changehis fight would not but would dismissal but fight his his dismissal "that do long as as ways.

He added; "that is my right as long as I do is my right ways.He added; not else...." hurt anybody nothurt anybodyelse...." and "A male LAWYER and "A top WashingtonLAWYER top Washington male land-mark potentialland-mark his filed aa potential loverfiled hisbusinessman businessmanlover first the first lawsuit, trying to to become become the trying lawsuit,

37 37 homosexualsto get married to get homosexuals marriedlegally legally in in the the United United States...."

States...."

"StanfordMedical MedicalSchool "Stanford SchoolPresident Presidenthas hasbrought brought disciplinary disciplinary charges chargesof sexual sexualhar-rassment har-rassment and and professional misconductagainst professional misconduct againstaa male malecardiology cardiology PROFESSOR.The The charges PROFESSOR. charges are are based based on on comcomplaints femalemedical two female plaints of two medicalstudents studentsthere...." there...."

"Two DOCTORS DOCTORSwere "Two werefined fined and givenprison prison and given sentencesyesterday yesterdayfor performing performingaa sentences sex-change operation patient.....He (the sex-change ...He (the operation on on aa patient.. sex-change victim) filed sex-change victim) filed aa complaint complaint in 1984 1984 asserting that that the asserting the operation had not operation had not been been successfuland and that that he was in constant successful he was pain. Four constantpain.

Four yearslater laterhe he committed years " committedsuicide suicide......"

DOCTOR cries A WOMAN DOCTOR cries out out saying: saying: "Take away away my certificate "Take give me certificate and give me aa husand husband""Let Let us us read readwhat poor woman band". what that that poor womandoctor doctor "Every morning writes in her her own writes words: "Every morning at own words: at 7:00 o'clock, o'clock, I shed shed tears 7:00 tears behind behind the the chauffeur chauffeur who who drived drived me me in my car to my medical medical clinic car to clinic 'prison "Every 'prison cell' 'grave'."She goes goes on on saying: "Every cell' or or'grave'."She saying: time time I reached reached my destination, destination, I found women found women and and children children waiting waiting for me. me. They They looked looked at at me me with admiration admiration and and regarded regarded my white white coat coat as as if if it were were a luxurious luxurious kind of clothes clothes made made of Persian Persian silk, silk, yet yet it was was to to my view view -- the'moumer's the 'mourner's

388 3 clothes'. every time time I reached reached my clinic, clinic, I clothes'.And every fixed the the stethoscope, stethoscope, as as if if it were were a hangman's hangman's fixed rope tied around around my neck. neck. rope am in my thirties thirties and and I am am very very pessimistic pessimistic Now, I am about the the future." future." Then, Then, she she cries cries out! out! "Take "Take away away about let money and me and let me coatsand andmy money my certificate, certificate,my coats lines hear the the word MUM".

MUM". Then Then she writes a few lines shewrites hear "People would describing her inner inner feelings: would call call feelings: "People describingher me a doctor, what benefit benefit do get from hearheardo I get me doctor, but what me ing people who who considered consideredme it? So, those people ing it?

So, tell those pitied. as a good example, that now I am to be pitied. to be good now am example,that as a All is to have havemy own own child child to want and and hope hopefor is All I want ail my buy it with all hug But, can can I buy hug and and caress. caress. But, Money?"

Money?" doctor.

Just the woman womandoctor. happensto to the look at what happens at what Just look and How she describes her everyday agony and agony her everyday How she describes prisoncell cell how her medical medicalas as aa prison how she she thinks thinks of her profesher profesand grave. In doesshe sheenjoy enjoy her ln short, short,does and aa grave. and sion? get any level of satisfaction satisfactionand any level Does she sion? Does sheget is left to the The answer left to the contentment life? The answer is contentmentin life? .. reader. reader...

(4) HAPPINESS (4) HAPPINESSIN FAME fameis is whichfame There with which There are are two two activities activitieswith usually usuallyassociated: associated: ** Sporting Sporting Actine ** Acting

39 39 "famous"men How much much happiness happinessdo do the How the "famous" men and and women in activities women activitiesenjoy?

Let us enjoy? Let take aa brief us take brief look at at each eachof these look thesetwo two activities activitiesin tum. turn.

Sporting Sporting is gratifying gratifying to note that It is to note that most mosr of the the Islamic forms of worship, prayers,fasting worship, e.g.

Islamic forms e.g.prayers, fasting pilgrimage,display andpilgrimage, and displaysome somesporting sportingcharacterischaracteristics, although althoughthey tics, they are arebasically basicallyby by nature nature meant meant purposes.But spiritual purposes.

But who for spiritual who would would deny deny the the constantinteraction interaction between constant physiqueand betweenthe the physique and moraleof man? man? Yet, Yet, that morale is not that is not all all that that Islam Islam has has to say say on on the the subject physical to subject of sports sports and and physical exercises. Any sporting exercises. sportingactivity promotes activity that that promotes sound thinking sound thinking or refreshes refreshesthe mind and the mind and revitalrevitalizes the the body body to izes to keep keep man man in healthy healthyshape is shapeis encouraged general

by Islam. general Islamic precept Islam.The encouraged The Islamicprecept this matter matter is which is the the statement in this statementin which the the Prophet Prophet (peacebe (peace be upon upon him) him) says: says: "The strong is better better than than the the weak weak strongbeliever "The believer is (Reportedby Imam one." (Reported one."

Imam Ahmad, Ahmad, Muslim Muslim and and Ibn Majah Majah on the the authority authority of Abu Huraira) Huraira) Physicai Physical exercises exercises and and sporting sporting activities activities are are valuvaluable things things in themseh,es, themselves, but but they should should able they

40 40 only be taken taken for what what they they are worth,i.e., to prepreare worth,i.e., only be pare our minds and bodies for the more serious more pare the serious minds and bodies an matters of life. They They should be taken taken as as an shouldnot be matters end themselves or be be allowed away allowed to deflect deflect away end in themselves visions to to appreciate the our minds minds or blur our visions appreciatethe our more inner lives. lives . requirementsof our our inner more serious seriousrequirements "religion" Sporting sort of aa "religion" has almost almostbecome becomeaa sort Sportinghas in their blood"l for "it runs for sportsmen, runs their blood"! sportsmen, exTherefore, to such such an an exif sports are carried carried to Therefore, if spofrs are of treme, one could not fail to realize the kind to realize the treme. one could lead "suffering" to "suffering" men and and women women lead to which such such men their lives.Thus: Thus: theirlives. *The internal pressures to *The feelings and to win internal feelings and pressures game- and over, particulargame any and at at times times at at any over, say, say,aa particular prohibited cost, even that may mean taking prohibited drugs. mean drugs. may taking cost,eventhat "big blow" game;the the ** The losing aa game; The "big upon losing blow" upon despair, the the the agony, agony, the the embarrassment, embarrassment, despair, the "fans". shame from the ridiculefrom the "fans". shameand andthe the ridicule quitting from ** The from the the team team The loss loss of job, quitting game fired! after losing a game or, worse, being fired! worse, losing or, being after a question Therefore, question Therefore, we we need need to to ask ask the the physical whether whetheror not aa life life exposed such physical or not exposed to to such danger, is aa happy happy danger,ordeal ordeal and shortcomingsis and shortcomings is left to you,the reader.. .. ! one?

The answer left reader....! one?TIle is to answer vou.the

41 41 The sports The sportsmedia media is is full of stories suchas as the storiessuch the following: lowing: "Sports activities proved dangerous "Sports activities proved dangerouswith basketball basketball injuries injuriesalone aloneaccounting accountingfor more more than than year, 640,000 hospital visits last year, new U.S. safenew U.S. safe640,000hospital visits last ty figures figuresshow...." show...."

"Three football football playing playing veterans "Three veterans died died of heart heart goldenoldies...." attacks attacksduring during an an international intemationalgolden oldies...."

"Liverpool'sMcmahon "Liverpool's Mcmahonbroke his leg leg in aa tackle brokehis tackle yesterday..." during F.A. cup clash yesterday..." duringthe F.A. the cup clash "Cubanrunning "Cuban runningstar, star,Ana Ana Quirot, saysshe plans sheplans Quirot,says to quit from sports sports after 1992Barcelona after the the 1992 Barcelona Olympics Olympics because because she she wants wants to to become become aa mother.....I've .1 mother. ....I've been beenrunning runningfor for 15 yearsand....

15 years and.....I want " wantto to be mothernow now......" be aa mother "Canadian sprinter, "Canadian sprinter,Ben Ben Johnson, Johnson,was was stripped stripped of the title the Olympic Olympic 100-meter 1OO-meter title and andworld world record record in in Seoul .... " positivefor Steroid Seoulafter aftertesting testingpositive drugs...."

Steroiddrugs "U.S. shot-putter, "U.S. shot-putter,Jim Doehring,ranked rankedthird Jim Doehring, third years in the in world, has hasbeen for two the world, beensuspended suspendedfor two years from .... " from the field after failing aa drug the field afterfailing drugtest.. test......"

There There are which we we are other other stories to these storiessimilar similar to thesewhich could reproducehere could reproduce herein support supportof our our argument, argument, let us have aa but but for the us have the sake sakeof time time and and space spacelet just look look at withoutwhich which I could could at just one onemore morecase casewithout discussing not justice to not have have done subject discussing done justice to aa subject

42 42 was the men, men,sports, fame and happiness.This This was the sports,fame andhappiness.

For aa time his name story story of Diego Diego Maradona!

Maradona! For time his name was waseverywhere; literally on everywhere;in all media and and literally on all all all media productsand comcom-mercial mercialproducts andadvertisements. advertisements. "pride".His "wealth" and Football Football earned eamed him "wealth" and "pride".His luxury luxury cars were estimated to the tune of $1 carswere estimatedto the tune $1 million, includingaa Ferrari worth $323,000 lion, including Ferrari F-40 F-40 wor.th $323,000 besides Roycesand the BMW's.

BMW's. besidesthe the Rolls Rolls Royces andthe

He He was was in all more! But hardly all that thatand andeven evenmore! hardly did did "fame","wealth" he he complete years in in that complete 4 years that "fame" ,"wealth" "prominence"when readaa and and "prominence" when the had to the world world had to read muchmore He much more different kind of story storyabout abouthim! him! He differentkind used used cocaine leaguematch! match! What cocainefor an Italian league What an Italian were He were the was wanted wantedin Italian Italian the consequences?

He was consequences? "cocainepossession": possession": courts courtsfor for aa related relatedcase caseof "cocaine and and aa few few weeks weeks after after returning returning to to his his native native homeland homeland of Argentina, he was was arrested Argentina, he arrestedfor round of cocaine possession and another another round for cocaine possession and for supplying supplying the free to to others his the drug drug free others and and his put to treasure, including the luxury cars, were put treasure,including cars, were to the luxury auction! auction! What What else?

Blame,ridicule, ridicule,shame, shame,diselse?Blame, dispeople of all appointment appointrnentand and resentment resentmentfrom from people all "loyal fans" walks, walks, but largely, frorn his his "loyal largely, from fans" and and particulariy so, in Italy whoseanger particularly so, those Italy whose thosein angerand and dismay dismay was was loud loud enough. enough.In one one newspaper newspaper report which public opinion poll, report which according accordingto to aa public opinionpoll,

43 43 Maradona Maradonawas mosthated hatedman man and and was voted votedItaly's Italy'smost similarly headlinewent went similarly in another report,aa banner bannerheadline anotl-lerreport, "Italianshate as follows: "Italians hateMaradona" Maradona"claiming that as follows: claimingthat young people. people.Did he he sets setsaa bad bad example examplefor the the young from Diego Diego Maradona real happiness happinessfrom Maradonaachieve achieveany any real "profession"? quesThe his The answer his foofa11 foofall "profession"? answer to to this this quesgiven by none noneother tion other tion could, could,of course, course.best bestbe be given "career" than himself and During his than himself and he he did so. During his "career" did so.

"Socceris days he frequently frequentlyused is in my days he used to to say say "Soccer (Argentina) to get blood want kids kids there there (Argentina) to get blood and and I want months Soccer However,months Soccerrunning runningin their their blood". blood". However, after after his his debacle he had had some some different confesdebacle he different confesworid which follows: sions which went went as asfollows: sions to to the the world play soccer professionallyagain.

"I will not not play soccerprofessionally again.It is Argentine irrevocabiedecision...the Argentinenational national is an an irrevocable decision...the team is also me. I want want to to teamis alsoaa closed chapterfor me. ciosed chapter pressureand the disquit because quit the pressure andthe disbecauseI am am sick sick of the .! am cipline... everything am not not blaming soccerbut but everything cipline....I blaming soccer that having soccerand and I am am scared scaredof having that sorrounds sorroundssoccer hiding ... .! am to that kind kind....I not hiding to face face aa situation am not situationof that ....there is my problems is something problems with drugs something drugs."..there deeper having taken here than than simply simply having taken cocodeeper here 'don't .! find I don't ENJOY myself anymore...." caine...

ENJOYrnyselfanymore...." caine....I find joy, but He mention of jov, but do do these theseconfessions confessions He made mademention joy?

If so, joy? If portray portray him havingexperienced experienced so, him as as having in this this then, discussionin is the subjectof our our discussion then,that that is the subject "illusory", treatise rvhatwe we are calling "illusory", andthat thatis is what Arecalling treatiseand

44 44 "artificial" or "fake" joy as as opposed opposed to any any "lasting" happiness "abiding","real" "abiding", happiness which which "real" and and "lasting" "devotion"to could be earned to soccer eamedby "devotion" soccer be could not is by the the understanding understanding or otherwise.

Rather, it is otherwise.Rather, of the the purpose purpose of life as prescribed by Allah for as prescribed pursuitof our us our ideal basis basis in pursuit us to to make make it the the ideal inculcation objectives in this world which is the inculcation is world which objectives this and nourishment that internal nourishment that and development development of internal would spiritual, infuse together togetherthe the spiritual, would embody embody and and infuse moral required of man. man. Allah virtues.required moral and and other other virtues, (Glory be (Glory said: be to to Him) said: "Leave alone "Leave thosewho who take take their way of life to to alonethose their way be play and amusementand and are are deceived deceivedby mere play and amusement be mere (to them) proclaim (to the world. But proclaim this world. them) the life of this (truth): this (truth): that every soul delivers itself to ruin soul itself ruin that every delivers to this protector by its find for for itself itself no no protector its own own acts: acts: it will find (Qur'an,6:70) or except Allah." (Qur'an,6:70) exceptAllah." intercessor or intercessor Acting Acting persons Here refer to specifically refer to those those persons Here we we specifically directly the field field of entertainment entefiainment engagedin the directly engaged namely, dancsingers,dancnamely, film and and stage stage actors, actors,singers, of entertainment a source of ers, etc.

Is the world a source entertainment ers,etc. Is the true happiness? truehappiness? how Far is surprising Far from surprisinghow from the conunon man, man, it is the common fun. The The many peoplestill equate happinesswith fun. many people equatehappiness fun and truth however.is is that that fun and matter. however, truth of the the matter,

45 45 have little happiness or nothing happinesshave little nothing in common. common.

The The correct logical conclusion would be correctand and logical conclusionwould be that that what we fun fun is is what we experience experienceduring during an while an act, act, while happiness happinessis is what what we we experience experienceafter after an act. It an act. is is aa deeper, deeper,more more enduring, enduring,more more meaningful meaningful and and more more abiding abiding emotion. emotion. Going Going to to an an amusement amusement park or to game,watching park watchingaa movie movie or televito aa ball game, televi"may" help sion help someone arefun fun activities that "may" someoneto to sionare activities that probhis relax. may temporarily forget his probrelax. One One may temporarily forget lems laugh. But these lems and and even evenmay may laugh. theseare arethings things which which do not and not definitely bring any do not andcould definitely bring any could not person because posireal real happiness happinessto to the the person becausetheir their positive last only long as fun effects usually only as as long as the the fun tive effects usually last lasts. lasts. is A much much deeper into the matter is deeper analysis analysis into the matter achieved when we look into fun and we envisage envisageand and look into fun and achievedwhen entertainment not help help the around us. us. I could could not the entertainmentaround thought that if these movie, TV, music and theamusic theaif these movie, and thought that "stars"had tre it is is that that had anything anything to to demonstrate, demonstrate, tre "stars" happiness happinesshas to do with fun. fun. It is is aa fact fact hasnothing nothing to do with to that these individuals individuals have have constant constantaccess accessto that these glamorousparties, parties,fancy fancy cars, cars, abundant wealth, glamorous abundantwealth, "seemsto expensive to homesand that "seems expensivehomes and everything everything that spell memoir happiness".However, However,memoir memoir after after memoir spell happiness". is exposed with information is exposedabout aboutthese these with so so much much information "celebrities" "celebrities" unveiling hiddenbeneath unveilingthe the sorrow sorrowhidden beneath

46 46 all alcoholism, fun e.g., all their their fun e.g., depression, depression, drug alcoholism,drug addiction, addiction, children children out out of wedlock, wedlock, broken broken marriages, troubled marriages, troubled children, relations, children, illicit relations, loneliness,mental loneliness, mental anguish, ignominy,etc. etc. Could anguish,ignominy, Could there therebe way to deny Hardly does does be aa way deny all these thesefacts? facts?Hardly passby without aa day day pass without coming stories comingacross acrosssome somestories in the media such themedia suchas the following: following: asthe "ElizabethTaylor, "Elizabeth Taylor, who who was was once consideredto to onceconsidered be legendsof film makers makersand and film be one one of the the legends got married viewers, viewers,again again at ageof 59 59 got married for at the the age the Fortensky,39 yearsold, the seventh seventhtime time to Larry Fortensky, 39 years old, aa construction worker.She constructionworker.

Shesaid said after afterthe the marriage marriage 'I life'. Like most ceremony is for life'. most ceremony 'I hope hope this this is celebrities, is apparently looking for celebrities,she apparently still still looking she is provide for happiness happinesswhich which her her fame fame failed failed to to provide peak her her during during the the peak of her her career. career. But But now now she she "fame" which wants wantsto which deprived to evade evadeher her "fame" deprivedher her of 'I've happiness.She true true happiness. doneeverything Sheadded: added:'I've done everythingI giveme can canto to give me up'.... up'....

"A pathologist pathologistwho perfomr the who helped helped perform the autopsy autopsy 'n' roll on on Elvis Elvis Presly Preslysays king of rock rock 'n' roli died saysthe the king died of ....'it DR U G S and n o t heart h e a rtdisease o f DRUGS a n d not d i se a se ....'was r it vasaa deadly deadlymix of drugs killedhim...." him...." drugsthat thatkilled 'I'll keeoon "Twice-divorcedDyan "Twice-divorced Dvan Cannon Cannonsays: savs:'I'll keep on

47 47 tryingmarriage marriageuntil until II get getitit right'. trying right'.

The54-year-old 54-year-oldactress actresssaid The saidin in the theMarch March10 10issue issue of Parade Parade magazine magazine that of divorce that her her first first divorce from the late,Cary thelate, CaryGrant, Grant,was wasnot from " notamicable... amicable...,' legend,James JamesBrown, Brown,was "Soul was granted grantedparole, parole, _!oyt legend, Wednesday,after afterbeing being imprisoned Wednesday, imprisonedfor for more more thantwo yearsfor two years for assault assaultand than use...." anddrug drug use...."

"Screensiren, siren,Kim Basinger, Basinger,says "Screen saysshe shecan canbe be wild wild without drugs and without drugs and alcohol. alcohol.The The 37 yearsold 37 years old actressadmits admits in the the February actress February issue issue of CosmoCosmoyork that politan magazine magazinein New Yark politan that she's she'sdone done aa lot of wild things, things,including including drugs plenty of drugs and and plenty 'When partying. carneto partying. 'When I came to Los Los Angeles, Angeles, I said said I want want to take take every every thing; thing; I want want to try it all'...(Basinger) all'...(Basinger) said said she she would would like to marry marry again.. again.. She She was was married married for eight eight years years to makemakeup artist Ron Briton. artist Ron Briton. They They were were divorced divorced in 1989."

1989."

"TV "TV comedian, comedian, Jamie Jamie Lee Lee Curtis, Curtis, says says she she doesn't doesn't like the of personal personal demand demand placed placed on the kind of some some women women actresses actresses in the the acting acting career. career.

Many of them have have no no children. children. II wouldn't wouldn't Many of them want of demands demands piaced placed on on my my life...." life...." want those those kinds kinds of "Cheyenne "Cheyenne Brando, Brando, the the 20-year 20-year old old daughter daughter of of

48 48 actor Marlon Marlon brando brando arrived arrived in in Paris Paris on on Tuesday Tuesday actor attesuicide two for mental treatment following two suicide attefollowing for mental treatment killing of mpts last last year year after after the the highly highly publicized publicized killing of mpts her father...." father.. .."

"Actor-singer, Larry Kert, Kert, died died Wednesday Wednesday night night "Actor-singer, of AIDS...."

AIDS...."

"Pop singer, singer, Billy Billy Preston, Preston, was was arrested arrested at at his his "Pop old boy 16-year a home Sunday Sunday after after 16-year Malibu home assaulted sexuallyassaulted complained been sexually had been he had that he complained that by the singer...." the singer...." ramis the the life ramthat is The and that inexhaustibleand is inexhaustible The list is industry. Do fun industry. pant and fun entertainmentand pant in the the entertainment men lives of men portray these cases, therefore, portray the lives the these cases,therefore, realhappiness? happiness? and sortof real any sort enjoying any womenenjoying andwomen NEVER! INDEED. NEVER! INDEED. more next,more thenext, thatthe Yet, believethat to believe peoplecontinue continueto Yet, people more car' glamorous party, more expensive car, more expensive party, more glamorous do would home would do luxurious fancier home vacation, fancier luxurious vacation, and vacationsand cars, vacations what parties,cars, the other other parties, all the what all people way do.The homes have not been able to do.The way people to homeshave not been able pain-free fun-filled, pain-free are that aa fun-filled, believethat to believe inclined to areinclined diactually happiness and care-free life is equal to happiness actually dito is equal life and care-free true attaining true minishes ever attaining of ever chancesof their chances minishestheir happiness. happiness.

49 49 While discussing discussing fun fun and While aa and entertainment, entertainment, subject matterwhich, which,we we feel, feel,must subject matter mustnot gounmennot go unmentioned isis the productwhich theproduct which these tioned thesemen menand andwomen women of stage stageand and screen screenhave "fans" of for their "fans" and have for their and "viewers" the substance, substance, "viewers" the the quality,the the quality, the values values andthe the effects effectson popularculture on popular and cultureand andstandards. standards.

And in this regard, regard,we we have And in this have reproduced, reproduced,herebeherebelow, some someexcerpts excerptsfrom from two low, two thought-provoking thought-provoking publicationi articlesfrom from some internationalU.S. someinternational articles U.S. Publications discusssing differentaspects discusssing different aspectsof the problem. the problem.

The writers writers of the the reports reportswere, The were,of course, course,discussdiscussing the extent and seriousness seriousness ing the extent and of the the matter matterwith with referenceto and and in the reference the context contextof the the U.S., U.S.. but but the the problemis global and is global and all over. problem over.

ONE -- BY: Michael ARTICLE ONE MichdelMedved Medved The value of self-discipline The value self-discipline so so essential essential to to normal normal family family life is is portrayed portrayed only rarely rarely in the the popular popular culture.

American adults adults culture. Nearly Nearly two-thirds two-thirds of all American are are married, married, but movies movies today today focus focus overwhelmoverwhelmingly on single single people. people. And ihose those few films rhar that do show show a family most most often often depic depic a marriage marriage that that is radically radically dysfunctional dysfunctional (completely (completely abnorabnormal) with of attempting attempting to with a husband husband accused accused of murder murder his wife (as (as in Reversal Reversal of Fortune) Fortune) or aa wife wife sleeping sleeping with with her her husband's husband's female female friend friend (as & June) June) or or the the married married pair pair killing killing (as in in Henry Henry &

50 50 each other other (as (as in in The The War War of of the the Roses).

Roses). When When II each complained about about the destructive destructive product product of of the the complained me to urged entertainment industry, colleagues urged colleagues industry, entertainment out. stop worrying; worrying; it's it's a simple simple matter matter to tune tune out. stop incident last last spring spring reminded reminded me me it was was not so so An incident outwent on an I easy to do that. that. My My family and and I went an easy mountain lake lake near near Santa Santa ing to a public park on a mountain and one ages Barbara, California. daughters, ages one and daughters, Our Barbara,California. three, went went toddling toddling off toward toward the the ducks. ducks. The The three, "Duckie! Duckie!" one-year old old was was saying, saying, "Duckie!

Duckie!" one one one-year the birds reaching of her first words and reaching out to the birds words and looked on and I looked with her chubby arrns. My wife and chubby arms. with satisfaction. with satisfaction. carryingaa teen-agerscarrying But soon group of teen-agers soon aa group shore. lake shore. "boom the lake at the arrived at "boom box" box" arrived was aa machine of their shiny chrome machine was Coming out chrome shiny their Coming out words describing describing rape four-letterwords song full of four-letter rape song girls had had Our volume. rape and feces and oral volume.

Our girls oral and feces and rape before. words never particularwords before. thoseparticular heardthose neverheard to startedto andstarted noiseand thenoise They by the frightened by werefrightened They were made and stayed cry.

I suppose we could have stayed and made aa have cry. I supposewe could in my my weaponsin scene, assaultweapons carry assault don't carry but II don't scene, but scene beautifui the trunk.

Instead we abandoned the beautiful scene we abandoned Instead trunk. to kids. brutishkids. thosebrutish to those just tune the out the tune out The youcan't can't just point isis that that you The point images, the messages: popular culture today.The messages, the images, today.The popular cuiture that the the are coincidencethat Is itit aa coincidence everywhere.Is are everywhere.

51 51 war on standards standardsin in art, war on art,music, music,television televisionand and corresponds with increasingly film corresponds with increasingly destructive destructive film behaviouron onthe thepart partof of the theyoung youngpeople behaviour peoplewho whoare are the most devoted consumeisof the most devoted consumers these media? of"these media?Is Is thereno noconnection connectionbetween betweenthe there themedia's media'sobsession obsession with crime crime and and violence violenceand with and the the fact fact that that the the number of kids kids under under19 19 who number of who are arearrested arrestedhas has increased by 120 120 percent percent since increased by 1963? Is sincel963?

Is there there no conneetion betweenthe no connection between the sex-crazed sex-crazedpopular popular culture and and the the fact fact that that out-of-wedlock culture out-of-wedloclibirths births haveincreased increased percentsince 350percent have 350 since1960?

1960?

Ironically,media.moguls moguls downplay Ironically,media downplay the the sigsig_ nificance of their work, their work, insisting that sex insisting'that nificance sex and aid violence on on screen screen do do not violence not encourage encouragesex sex and and violence violence in real real life. life. But the the same same inJustry industry then then turns around and turns around and askes askes advertisers advertisers to to pay pay tens tens of thousands thousands of dotlars dollars for 30 seconds seconds ofaii-time of air-time in the the hope hope that that this this fleeting fleeting exposure exposure would would directly directly alter alter the the public's public's buying buying behaviour. behaviour.

The The war war on on standards standards in in the the popular popular culture culture would would be be the the issue issue on on the the 1990s.

1990s. Expanded Expanded censorships to win win it.However, it.However, atteattecensorships is is not not the the way way to mpts mpts to to move move in in that that direction direction would would only only prove prove t-o to be be counter-productive. counter-productive. Boycotts Boycotts of of sponsors, sponsors, direct protests, direct protests, letter-writting letter-writting campaigns campaigns and and

52 52 far are far res are pressures e-sect or pressu private-sector forms of privat other other forms tions. regulations' nment regula government new gover than new ive than effective more more effect r further nt the the furthe prevent ng to preve working are worki While we are than more than do more e,we should should do culture,we ion of our cultur pollut pollution to ber remember remem also d also shoul should bad. We the bad. prot"rtt the protes icial benef beneficial itably indubitably good which is indub the good promo iro-ot.te the to us. to us.

Grene .

Bob Grene TWO:: - By: CLE TWO ARTI ARTICLE BY: Bob their living down down in their sat es sat Millions of famili ffiiti6s watch aa live st to to watch August last Augu ng last evening one eveni rooms rooms one the on the sted on e, teleca telecasted France, rt from frbm Franc na conce concert Mado Madona (HBO)' ).

(HBO Office Home Box Office rk Home network cable cablenetwo star' ational star, intern intemational huge a huge a such is is such na Mado Madona Since Since and and ted promo promoted y heavil heavily was was st teleca the telecast and since the and since of ns millions millio nd, weekend, on aa weeke time on prime time aired aired in prime s. - parents' their parent ed with their ly watch watched en certain certainly childr children MaMathat was was that s screen screens those on all those ned on happened What What happe that word that ne word obscene one obsce the one used the edly used repeitedly dona dona repeat s. public airway airways' the public from the barredfrom ely barred routinely has beenroutin hasbeen simuand simuand bed a d on on a bed writhed she writhe show she the show Later Later in the comusedcomngly used laughi laughingly also She also n.

She rbatio mastu lated latedmasturbation. ls. genitals. genita male terTnsfor male mon streetterms mon street shows that shows so that ng-goes-age, so anything-goes-age' an anythi in an We live in We live not not was was t conten content r vulgar sely vulga purposely s, and and purpo witles witless,

53 53 surprising. The Thelanguage language surprising. itself itselfwas wasnothing nothing that that hasnot notbeen beenheard heardin in movies moviesor has comor on oncable-TV cable-TVcomedyspecials.The specials.The sulprisingthing edy surprising thing was was that thatso sofew few parents calledHBO HBO to to object. parents called for object.A A spokesperson spokesperson for thenetwork network said "werenot saidthe the complaints the any complaints"were not by by any stretchof of the the imagination imaginationoverwhelming" stretch overwhelming" and and that the the Madona Madonaconcert concert was that was the the highest-rated highest-rated originalentertainment entertainmentprogram program in original in the the network's network's history.

Apparently, America's America's parents history. Apparently, parents have have totally given given up up hope hope that totally that they they could could control control what their their children childrenare areexposed exposedto what to on on TV. What is is most most disturbing disturbing is What is that rhat products products appearedin America's America'shomes appeared homes during duringprime prime time time on aa Sunday, Sunday, and and people on people seemed seemedto to think think it was was no big deal. deal.The The television, television,in aa way no way that that now now seems seems quaint, quaint, was was once once considered considered almost almost ground sacred sacred ground when when it came came to certain certain material material precisely precisely because because children children were were watching. watching. But the the country has been so country has been so beaten beaten down down by a lessening of public public standards standards that that obscenities obscenities lessening of could of families families without without could be be telecasted telecasted to millions millions of causing causing even even a ripple ripple of of protest. protest. What What of of the the argument argument that that parents parents should should just just tum off off the the TV TV ifif they they don't don't like like rhe the programming? programming?

It's It's valid valid but but there there was was no no waming warning before before Madona Madona launched launched into into her her first first rapid rapid fire fire round round of of obscenities. obscenities. Although Although the the telecast telecast was was

54 54 promoted as as being being live, live, itit actually actually was was taped taped promoted it was what knew hours before.

The network knew what it was network The before. hours an or deletions without sending out.

Yet it did so without deletions or an sendingout. Yet it did so of the the show. show. This This advisory notice notice at at the the beginning beginning of advisoiy says. was "a creative decision," HBO says.

HBO was creativedecision," not bound bound by the the as a cable cable network, network, is not HBO, as netthe air over the on same restrictions placed the over the netplaced samerestrictions works. But this this nicety nicety is undoubtedly undoubtedly lost on works. children who have have grown grown up with cable cable TV in children just their homes. homes. To them, them, HBO is just another another stop stop their on dial. the dial. on the their lifeworse in their Those hear worse would hear Thosechildren children would To telecast telecastaa have.To times alreadyhave. probably already they probably times they considered longer no concert is no longer considered Madona's is like Madona's concertlike publicly wonder publicly to wonder to particularly particularlycontroversial.But controversial.But delivering that say about the wisdom of it to say that delivering it to about the wisdom of is children is nation'schildren such the nation's to the performanceto such aa performance To say sayitit wrong To controversial. is considered thatis consideredcontroversial. wrong that rest the of the with isis wrong is to seem out of step with the rest of the step wrong is to seemout of wrong. world.

It isisdead deadwrong. wrong.It But itit isis wrong. world.But listeners? therelisteners? arethere The butare loud-- but Thecry cry isis loud

** *** r*< *

entertainment funand andentertainment So, of fun womenof menand andwomen the men So.the

55 55 industrydo do not not enjoy enjoy real realhappiness, industry happiness,nor nor do do they they presentvaluable valuablethings thingsto present to the the society, society, but but most most of what whatthey theyproduce produceare of aredestructive destructivematerials. materials.

As mentioned mentionedseveral several times As times during duringthe thediscusdiscusti9l, happiness happinessisis an an inner inner motive a sion, motive and and a goal goal which could could not not be be acquired acquiredalone which aloneby by the themere mere fulfilment of of external extemalor or material materialneeds. fulfilment needs.

Enrichment and nourishmentof Enrichment and nourishment of our our inner inner being being make an an essential essentialrequirement requirementto make to aa morally morally sound sound developmenfof ourselves. ourselves. development The foregoing sfories and andexamples The foregoing stories examplesprove prove one one thing in cornmon: common: that that true true happiness thing happinessdoes does not not emanate from wealth, wealth, fame, fame, academic emanate degrees academicdegrees and titles, titles,high high rank rankor position positionin society. and society.

What are are therefore, therefore, those What those factors factors that that mayconmayconstitute sources both physical physical and and spiritual spiritual wellwellstitute sources of both being being for man? man? Where Where does does happiness happiness originate? originate?

And what those who who aie are truly truly what are are the the qualities qualities of those happy? happy?

Before us first first disdisBefore answering answering these these questions, questions, let us cuss in brief the barriers the barriers to real real happiness. happiness. cuss *t<{<

***

56 56

BARRIERS TO REAL HAPPINESS HAPPINESS BARRIERS I.Disbelief In Allah And LackOf Lack Of The True True l.Disbelief Faith.

Faith.

Since the the true faith fills the the heart heart with comfort, comfort, Since security, reassurance reassurance and and contentment, contentment, and and security, relationship strong has makes man feel that he has strong relationship he that makesman the Creator Creator alone is the with Almighty Allah, Who alone of man man and and everything everything visible visible and and invisible invisible and and and well-being man's knows best what achieves man's well-being and achieves knows best the biggest biggest barriers barriers happiness.

Therefore, one one of the Therefore, happiness. the and world this to real happiness both in this world and the both happiness to real religion true Allah's Hereafter rejectionof Allah's true religion is the the rejection Hereafter is (Le., (i.e.,Islam).

Islam). from and stray stray from Those correct belief and lack correct who lack Those who mankind to mankind Divine revealed to Guidance revealed Divine Guidance of AlMessenger Last through andLast Messenger of the Universal Universal and throughthe void spiritualvoid from spiritual lah, suffer from Muhammad,will suffer lah, Muhammad, and real salvation and deprive themselves from real salvation and from themselves and deprive mercy: mercy: guide, (in His to guide, willethto Plan)willeth "Those His Plan) "Those whom God (in whomGod He whom those Islam; He openeth their breast to Islam; those whom He to He openeththeir breast breast theirbreast makeththeir He maketh willeth straying,- He leavestraying, to leave willeth to to upto to climb had close and constricted, as if they if they had to climb up as closeand constricted, on abominationon lay abomination the Allah lay doth Allah thus doth skies:thus theskies:

57 57 those who refuse refuse to those who to follow follow His His code codeof of life, life. thatisisIslam...."

(Qur'an,6:125) Islam...."(Qur'an, that 6:125) 2.Sin Sinand andCrime Crime 2.

Man has has not not realizedwell realizedwell the Man the serious seriousconseconsequences of sin as astheir their effects quences of sin generallyhave effectsgenerally haveno no cure.Sins Sins and and crimes crimesare cure. are barriers barriersto to real real happihappiness.Therefore, criminalis ness.Therefore, aa criminal is always alwaysmore more unhapunhappy than his his victim, victim, for for aa criminal py than criminal who who is is not not pupunishedcould couldbe be among amongthe themost nished mostmiserable miserablepeople. people.

3. Envy Env),and andJealousy Jealousy 3.

Envy and and jealousy Envy jealousy are are sources sourcesof dissatis dissatisfacfaction and self-torture self-torturefor people. tion and people. Therefore, Therefore,we we are are advised in the the Holy Qur'an advised to seek refuge from to seek refuge from Qur'an the such kinds kinds of malignant malignant the serious serious effects effects of such social the Holy euia'n, Qura'n, ll3 of the social evils. evils. In chapter chapter 113 we we are are advised advised to seek seek refuge refuge in Allah "from "from the mischief of the the envious envious one one as as he he practises practises the mischief of envy...."Both envy and and jealousy, jealousy, when when translated translated envy...."Both envy into happiness into action, action, lead lead to the the destruction destruction of happiness and and deprive deprive people people of of the the good good things things rhey they enjoy. enjoy.

The best best refuge refuge from evil is is trust trust in in Allah alone along along of heart. heart. along with with purity purity of 4. ll-will 4. IIll-will True True believers believers

are are

described in In the the described

Holy Holy

5588 Qur'an, verse verse 10 of of chapter chapter 59, 59, as as saying saying when when Qur'an, they pray to Allah: Allah: they leave not, not, in in our our hearts, hearts, rancour rancour (or (or sense sense "..And leave "..And of injury) injury) against against those those who have have believed...." believed...."

Ill-will and and rancour rancour are are barriers barriers to to the the happiness happiness Ill-will of man. man. In fact, fact, ill-will ill-will is contrary contrary to happiness; happiness; belongs to a different domain domain on human human it belongs kills the lofty lofty feelings. It is like a virus that kills feelings. man. sentiments and kind feelings of man. of feelings sentimentsand

5.

Aneer 5. Anger hostility.

Anger and hostility. displeasure and connotes displeasure Anger connotes spoil threatsthat that spoil Therefore, biggestthreats the biggest is one one of the ThJrefore,it is (Peace and Muhammad man's happiness.

Prophet Muhammad (Peace and man'shappiness.Prophet importance the importance blessings stressedthe him), stressed upon him), be upon blessings be comhis comone he advised of self-restraint when he advised one of his when of self-restraint by anger..."

"Do not panions: by anger. .." not be overpowered be overpowered panions:"Do 6.

Injustice 6. Injustice to every-body every-body ruin to Injustice, will bring bring ruin no doubt doubtwill Injustice,no many by many proven is who practises it.

This is proven by it.

This practises who to lessons and warnings and lessons to examples as warnings thatserved servedas examplesthat mainvice and and maindangerousvice humanity this dangerous to shun shunthis humanity to signify may justice Injustice tain justice and equality.

Injustice may signify equality. and tain may limits; itit may goingbeyond beyond limits; the and andgoing trespassing thetrespassing or denial denial of things thingsor misplacement also of themisplacement signifythe alsosignify of truth. of truth.

59 59 this. context, In this. context, incorrect incorrectconcepts conceptson on divinity, divinity, polytheism,idolatry suchas aspolytheism, such idolatryand falseworship, andfalse worship,are are one of the forms of injustice the forms injusticsas one s5 i5iI is is aa distortion distortion true religion religion and of true and trespassing trespassingagainst against divine divine commands. The The following following verse commands. from the verse from the Holy Holy illustratesthis point: this point: Qur'an Qur'anillustrates "Behold,Luqman Luqman said said to his son "Behold, to his son by by way way of inin'O my son! Join not in worship struction: '0 struction: son! Join not worship (others)with Allah: (others) Allah: for false falseworship worship is is indeed indeedthe the highestwrong-doing'....

(Qur'an,31:13) wrong-doing'...." highest " (Qur'an, 3 1:13) Many aa nation nation backed backed up, Many up, or refrained refrainedfrom from resisting, unjust unjust tyrants tyrants and resisting, and wrong-doers wrong-doersand and broughtthereby therebyupon upon themselves themselvesdevastation brought devastationand and perdition. perdition.

The following quotationfrom following quotation The from the the sayings sayingsof the the (Peaceand Prophet Prophet (Peace blessings be be upon upon him) him) testitestiand blessings fies to fact very fies to this this proven proven fact very often often noticed noticed in human human life. life. Abu Musa Musa Al-Ash'ari, AI-Ash'ari, a companion companion (Peaceand of Prophet Prophet Muhammad Muhammad (Peace blessings be be and blessings (as upon upon him), him), related related that that the the Prophet Prophet said said (as narrated narrated by Imams Imams Bukhari Bukhari and and Muslim): Muslim): "Allah "Allah may may give give a wrong-doing wrong-doing tyrant tyrant respite, respite, and and thereafter thereafter when when He punishes punishes him, He He never never

60 60 lets him escape." escape." Then, Then, he he recited recited this this Qur'anic Qur'anic lets him Verse: Verse:

"Such "Such is the the chdstisement chastisement of of thy Lord when when He chastises communities communities in the the midst of of their wrong: wrong: chastises His chastisement." is grievous, indeed, indeed, and and severe severe chastisement." grievous, (Qur'an, 11:102) (Q u r ' a n ,1 1:102) In another another verse verse from the the Holy Qur'an, Qur'an, it is stated: stated:

give did I give populations did "And how many many populations given to to wrong-doing? wrong-doing?In respite, were given which were respite, which is the destination the destination the punishedthem. them.To Me is the end end I punished (of all)."

(Qur'an, 22:48) (Qur'an, 22:48) all)."

7.

Power Wordly Power Fearof Wordly 7. Fear humility, is the causeof humility, Fear thecause Allah is thanAllah other than Fear of other A1fear of AlWhereas,fear insecurity Whereas, and unhappiness. unhappiness. insecurityand him drives ideals and man lofty ideals and drives him lah produces in lah producesin man lofty moral excellentmoral andexcellent to conductand sound conduct to develop develop sound human fetters of from all behaviour.

It frees him from all fetters of human him frees It behaviour. freeand freehis dignity dignity and bondage his safeguards and safeguards bondageand in the Holy Qur'an: dom theHoly Allah says saysin will. Allah of will.

Qur'an: dom of fear you the thefear to you "It to thatsuggests suggests "It is Satanthat theSatan is only only the fear but them, of of his votaries: be you not afraid of them, but fear you not afraid be votaries: of his (Qur'an,3:175) youare 3:175) me, truebelievers." believers."CQur'an, aretrue me,if if you

61 61 Pessimism 8. Pessimism 8.

Pessimism is is synonymous synonymous with Pessimism with misery misery and and trouble.It leads leads to trouble.It to aa stage stage of inertia inertia and and dedepression. pessimisticperson personwould pression. A pessimistic would hold hold back back from enjoying enjoying his his normal normal life or from or achieving achievinghis his objectives.Therefore, Therefore, the objectives.

Gracious Prophet the Gracious Prophet (Peace and and blessings blessingsbe (Peace be upon upon him) him) promoted promoted and liked liked optimism optimismbut and but discouraged discouragedand and disliked disliked pessimism. pessimist, due pessimism. A pessimist, due to to his his defeatist defeatist tendencies,incurs incurs several tendencies, severaltroubles troubles and and difficulties the the effects effects of which which on ties on his his nerves nervesare far are far heavierthan thandilemmas dilemmasand heavier anddisasters. disasters.

9. Suspicion Suspicion 9.

(Glory be Allah (Glory be to Allah to Him) Him) Qur'an: Qur'an:

states staresIII in the rhe Holy

"O ye (as "0 ye who who believe! believe! Shun much (as Shunsuspicion suspicionas asmuch possible): is a sin...." suspicionin some possible): for suspicion cases somecasesis sin...."

(Qur'an,49:12) (Qur'an,49:12) Prophet Prophet Muhammad Muhammad (Peace (Peace and and blessings blessings be be upon upon him) also also says: says: "Shun SuspIcIOn is the the bigbig"Shun suspicion, suspicion, because because suspicion gest gest lie." lie." (Narrated (Narrated by Imams Imams Bukhari Bukhari and and MusMuslim)

62 can a suspicious suspicious person person be be happy?And happy?And how how How can mistrust can a society pervaded suspicion and mistrust and suspicion pervaded by can society prosper or lead lead a collective collective life of of happiness. happiness. prosper 10 . Arrogance Arrogance 10. arrogant person person leads leads a life of of misery misery An arrogant people and rudely he treats other people rudely and even though other he treats even though to established boastfully without due due regard regard established boastfully without norms moral conduct. conduct. He He oppresses oppresses them them or nonns of moral he but turns toward them them he is scorntoward his cheek cheek in scorn turns his definitely guilty cons-cience cons-cience which which hauntedwith guilty definitely haunted makes his life miserable. miserable. his makes "Tum not toward folk, nor scom toward not thy cheek cheekin scorn loveth Lo! Allah loveth walk with pertness in the land.

La! land. the walk with pertness (Qur'an,31: 31:18) l8) not boaster."(Qur'an, eachbraggart braggartboaster." not each (Peaceand be upon upon blessingsbe andblessings Prophet Muhammad(Peace ProphetMuhammad whenhe he said: said: regardwhen him) this regard gavehis his advice advicein this him) gave look not look Allah will not "On the "On Day of Judgment JudgmentAllah the Day garment out out lower garment his lower towards him who who trails trails his towards him " Bukhari (a Imams Bukhari narratedby

by Imams of pride (a Hadith Hadith narrated of pride" and Muslim) andMuslim) thanAllah Allah 11. to other otherthan 11.Devotion Devotionto hate,but but loveand and hate, to love partof man'scharacter character ItIt isis aapart to of man's

63 63 carrying passions thepassions of love carrying the of loveand andhate hateto to extremes extremes precarious.

Take for is precarious.

Take for example the story example the story of of It Romeo and Julietin in English EnglishLiterature Romeo and Juliet Literatureor or Qays eays and Layla Layla in in Arabic Arabic Literature.

Literature. Qays, and who was was Qays,who known in in the thestory storyas Layla'smad known had sufasLayla's madlover, lover, had sufferedtremendously tremendouslyfrom from this fered this love love until until he he lost lost his senses sensesand and later later died died in his in aa wretched wretchedpiteous piteous state. state.

When your your heart heart is is wholly wholly devoted When devotedto your to your (Allah), your Creator(Allah), your love love is you thereby Creator is holy holy and you and thereby enjoy an an elevated elevatedemotion emotion which enjoy which fills fills your your heart heart peaceand andhappiness. happiness. with peace This kind of emotion emotion is is not This not in contradiction contradictionwith love_for parents, parents,wife or children. love children . In fact, fact, they they are harmonious harmoniousand and complementary. are complementary. But, But, exextreme emotions, when not treme emotions, when not controlled controlledby reason reasonor logic, logic, are are in fact fact detrimental detrimental to our our life and and haphappine ss. piness.

12.

12. Alcohol.

Alcohol. Drugs Drugs and and Drug Drug Addiction Addiction Many people people imagine imagine that that happiness happiness can can be be attained attained through through alcohol alcohol or drug drug addicrion. addiction.

Therefore, drugs escaping escaping thereby thereby Therefore, they resort resort to drugs from the the troubles troubles and and worries worries of of life. In fact, fact, they they are are like one one who escapes escapes from a small small fire to aa hell. hell.

Drugs Drugs may may throw throw one, one, for for aa short short while, while, into into aa

64 61 dreamy iilusive illusive world world of of hapainess; happiness; but but in in fact fact dreamy they lead lead both both to disintegration disintegration and and destruction. destruction. they We nowadays nowadays witness witness many many examples examples of of such such 'worldsocial disintegration disintegration and and chaos chaos due due to the the worldsocial other besides of drug addiction besides other wide surge drug addiction of surge rvide .causes related to corrdption corruption and and the the absence absence of causesrelated real religious religious sanctions sanctions and and sound sound creed. creed. real WAY TO HAPPY HAPPY LAND MARKS ON THE WAY LAND LIFE LIFE Happiness) (TI1e of Happiness) (The Factors Pre-requisites & Pre-requisites Factors&

1.

1. Sound SqundBelief solid first lay lay aa solid you have haveto to first To build life, you happylife, build aa happy it will subside. foundation subside. it, otherwise, oiherwise, foundation for it, unshakea solid unshakeasuchaa solid 'TIlerefore, seeksuch we should shouldseek Thereforc.we our buiid our could build rvhich we we could ble on \vhich foundation on ble foundation by schemeby must be be also alsoaa scheme wholesome life.

Theremust life. There i.vholesonte guidedand and is to be guided life is to be which of our our life courseof the course which the controlled. controlled-.

eiesire feelings,desires Man impulses, drives,feelings, impr:lses,drives, posses$es Man possesses and his character characterand and intluencehis may influence which may whirnswhich anC whims to ability to with the the ability way l{e isis endowed endowedwith lii"e.He way of of life. hecould couldbe ire thathe perceiveso so that think, attd perceive reason and think,reason

65 65 ableto to control controlhis his will wili and able and emotions emotions and and direct direct himself into into the the course course of himself of action actionhe he believes believesto to be suitable. suitable.However, However,man's be man'smind mind and andemotions emotions may lapse lapseand andlead leadhim him away may the right awayfrom from the right path. path.

He may stray stray unknowingly unknowingly from He may from the the way way to to successand and happiness happinessand success and take take the the course courseto to chaosand and misery, misery, thereby therebybringing chaos bringing suffering suffering and and destructionupon uponhimself himself and destruction andupon uponothers. others.

Hence the the necessity necessity for man Hence man to to achieve achieveaa profound understanding understandingof the profound the Divine Divine Guidance Guidance which leads leadshis his way way to plain truth which to the the plain truth about aboilt his his existencein this this world, world, his his relation existence relationto the the universe universe and to other other creatures, creatures,the pulposeof his the purpose and his creation, creation, how he has come into into existence, how he has come \Vill existence,the the Divine Divine Will that that controls controls him and and directs directs his his life, and and the the conect to correct course course and and way way that that leads leads him to salvation salvation and and real real happiness. happiness.

Islam the last last and and only universal universal religion religion and and Islam is the system system or code code of of life revealed revealed to mankind mankind through through the the last Prophet Prophet (Peace (Peace and and blessings blessings be upon upon him) him) and and the the only faith with with the the Divine Revelation Revelation stiil still kept kept intact intact in its orginal orginal form, form, unlike unlike the the earlier earlier revelations revelations which which were were already already lost, lost, adulterated, adulterated, interpoiated, interpolated, changed changed and and

66 corrupted.

Thus, the the Islamic Islamic Faith Faith proves proves to Thus, corrupted. man's correct foundation foundation for man's character character be the only correct of life necessary necessary for and behaviour behaviour and and a mode mode of and building a sound sound and and progressive progressive society society charcharbuilding acterized by justice justice and and peace peace which which is in acterized harmony Allah's will. with Allah's ha'rmony If we think of of the the backwardness backwardness of Muslim If societies, we will will find that that the the reason reason for such such societies, from this deviation condition is mainly due due to the the deviation this condition caused life. The The calamities that caused divine way of life. calamitiesthat divine way areby no Muslim societies no means means the downfull societiesare the downfull of Muslim merely due knowledge but scientific knowledge lack of scientific merely due to lack when fact, when Islam. In fact, rather from Islam. deviationfrom ratherto their their deviation Dark the so-called Europe was going through the so-called Dark Europe was going through the half of the Ages, coveringhalf Nation, covering Islamic Nation, Ages, the the Islamic and most splendid splendidand world, the most was enjoying enjoying the world, was known. hadever everknown. glorious world had gloriouscivilization the world civilizationthe

leads practice,leads put into into practice, So whenput belief,when Islamicbelief, the Islamic So the his all his and channels channelsall man tion and right direc direc tion man to to the the right schemeof energies into aa constructive constructivescheme andefforts effortsinto energiesand to is complementary life. faith is complementaryto with, faith To begin begin with, life. To antithesis is not not the the antithesis reason. of reason is Therefore,reason reason.Therefore, human other faith as is the case in some other human in some is case the faith as to develdevelfaith helps helpsto beliefs Islamicfaith religions.Islamic andreligions. beliefsand kind imposeany anykind not impose op doesnot mind and anddoes humanmind thehuman op the it. ItIt on restrictions of or undue unduerestrictions on it. illogical concept conceptor of illogical

67 67 leads manin inthe theway wayof of truth truthsince leads man sincehe heisisguided guidedby by wordsand and commandments commandments words of Creator, Who of his his Creator,Who knowswhat whatisisbest bestfor for him. him. knows A basic basicIslamic Islamicprinciple principleof A of faith faith isis related relatedto to harmony in this universe. harmony in this universe. Many Manyscientists scientistsand and thinkers believe believe that that there thinkers there is is aa conflict conflict betweenman man and and nature natureand between is and that that man man is strugstrusgling to overcome the the powers powersof gling to overcome of nature. nature.Islam Islari corrects this this short-sighted short-sighted corrects notion. notion.It It states statesthat that everything in this world has hasbeen everything in this world beencreated createdto to serve serve man, and and man man has has been been created man, createdto to serve serveAllah.

Allah.

Therefore,the the relationship relationshipbetween Therefore, and betweenman man and the the universe is one harmonyand universe is one of harmony and friendliness. friendliness.This This fact imbues imbuesman man with peace peaceof mind, fact mind, satisfaction satisfaction and happiness. happiness. alsofrees freeshis his mind and It also from mind from worries, worries, fears and feeling hostility. His His life would would fears and feeling of hostility. become become inspired inspired with love, love, hope, hope, optimism, optimism, contentment contentment and and happiness happiness that that would would enable enable him to face face hardships hardships with confidence confidence and and rieht right discretion. discretion.

Belief in Allah Allah and and in in His perfecr perfect arrribures attributes would deeply influence would deeply influence the the Muslim's Muslim's character character and and his his whole whole outlook outlook on on life. life. ItIt brings brings him him to to a.cquire acquire good good qualities qualities and and aim aim for for human human perfecperfection. tion. This This will will undoubtedly undoubtedly achieve, achieve, for for bbth both the the individual individual and and the the society, society, aa life life of of ideal ideal values values

68 68 and collective collective happiness. happiness. and Belief in the the angels angels of Allah makes makes man man feel feel that that he is not aione alone in this this universe universe and and that that it abounds abounds he righteous friendly friendly creatures. creatures. This This rvould would with righteous make life pleasant pleasant for him and and enable enable him to make achieve happiness. and happiness. successand achievesuccess conthe Day of Judgment Judgment drives man to condrives man Belief in the trol his his behaviour behaviour and the Divine accordingto the and life according justice and Laws righteousness.

Laws of justice and righteousness. wili Without which everyone everyonewill on which this Day on Without belief in this just (when wrong-doers are receive his deserts (when the wrong-doers are the receivehis deserts justly punished are rewarded rewarded righteousare punished and and the the righteous impetus to to bountifully), lose the the impetus would lose man would bountifully), man the oppressed oppressed behave others and and the fairiy towards towards others behavefairly grow hopeless would miserable. hopelessand andmiserable. would grow that elementthat Belief in the is an an essential essentialelement the Hereafter Hereafteris ostablish helps and and establish humandelinquency cieiinquency to control controlhuman helpsto society. collective virtues in society. andvirtues happinessand collectivehappiness

Belief majorelement is aa major elementof aa Destinyis Divine Destiny Belief in Divine you personality.When When you stable and composed composecl personality. stable and and Divine Decree Decreeand submit andWill and yourselfto the Divine to the submityourself "What you befalls you feel positively certain that "What befalls certain that f'eel positively you missesyou you and what misses would andwhat not have havemissed missedyou wouldnot

69 69 would not have have befallen you", you", you you vroulci would wouid befallen grow stronger face of calamicertainly the face strongerin the calamicertainlygrow ties, face them with patience patience and courage and face them and courage and ties, para.lized not them or be be paralized with shock sirockor not succumb succumbto them despair. despair.

Lack of such faitit creates createsaa vacuum vacuurn elementof faith suchelement up in man's heart and that cannot cannot be be filled up man's heart and life that with pleasuresof the world. It witir all the riches and and pleasures the world. tire riches is many, even emptinessthat that drives drives many, even is this this kind of emptiness pleasure-seekers of the world the wealthy and the pleasure-seekers worid and the the the rveaithy to commicsuicide. eve.ncommit suicide. to collapse collapseor even 2.

Devotictlrto Worship and t-oAllah Allal'i 2. Worship and Devotion (idle) sport "Not for (idle) We create the heavens heavens createthe spart did di<i \Ve and is between"(Qur'qn, beiween"(Qur'an, earth and anc all all that that is and the the earth 21 2 1:16) :16) pla.v,Allah has So has iiile sport is not nat for idle $por"ior play, So creation ereationis purposebehind Wiiat is is it? it? Allah Ailah has has aa serious senouspurpose behinciit. \Vhat revealed purposein to us F{ispurpose in the Holy Qur'an: revealedto us His the Holy Qur'an: "1 have (i.e., genies) genies) and "I and createdJinns irave only oniy created Jinns (i.e., (Qur'an, men, that they may serve Me!" (Qur'an, 51:56) 51:56) men.that they may seivelde!"

Everything Universeare are everyonein the the Universe and everyone Everything and to His FIis created submi.tto Ailah. and and all submit Almishty Allah, bv Ahnighty createdby

70 70 glanceat physicalworld.

Will. Have Have aa glance the physical at the world. You will find everything everythingcontrolled controlled and and directed directedin accordance Divine Order accordancewith Divine Order and and Laws.

Laws. There There govern laws that are are laws that govern every every area area or domain domain of nature,such gravity, motion, nature, laws of gravity, suchas asthe the laws motion, relativrelativThese prevailing prevailing laws laws testify ity, etc. etc. These testify to fact to the the fact that that the the universe universeis is in total its Creatotal submission submissionto to its Creaits laws. laws. tor, tor, Almighty Almighty Allah, Allah, Who Who has hasoriginated originatedits But man man has hasbeen beenendowed FreeWill, aa privendowedwith Free ilege not given to ilege not given lower forms forms of creation, to the the lower creation,so so that that his his obedience laws of his obedienceto to the the laws his Creator Creator should should be more sensible be more sensibleand andnot not aa kind kind of blind blind obedience obediencelike aa robot robot following following the the commands commandsof the the computer computeroperator. operator.

Besides,he he is Besides, is also also endowed endowedwith the faculty of the faculty thinking and thinking and reasoning reasoningso so that that he he could could be be able able to to decide and decide Therefore, and shoulder shoulder responsibility. responsibility.Therefore, man will will be man be able ableto harmony in his to achieve achievefull harmony his life if if the intellectualand the intellectual and spiritual his spiritualside side of his charactercomes physicalside character comesto to coincide coincidewith with the the physical side physicallaws which which is is already alreadyruled naturalor physical laws ruledby natural ordained ordained and and fulfilled by Glorv be bv Allah Glory be to to Him)!

Him)!

Thus, he Law, listen Thus, he would would abide the Divine Divine Law, listento abideby the to the commandments the commandments of his Lord and respond his Lord and respond

7l 71 willingly, and worship willingly, and worship in in all all humility humility and and reverencethe theonly only true reverence truedeity, deity,Allah, Allah, Who Who alone aloneis is worthy of worship. worthy of worship.

Obedienceand and worship worship of Allah Obedience Allah are are aa major major and and comprehensive source comprehensive source of contentment contentment and and happiness for man. man. On personallevel, happiness for On the thepersonal level,it gives gives man the the feeling feelingthat thathe he is is close man closeto to Allah Allah and andsuch such nearnessto to his his Lord, Lord, consequently, nearness provides consequently, provideshim him with guidance, guidance,wisdom, wisdom, strength, with strength, confidence, confidence, steadfastness, security,joy and steadfastness, security, and satisfaction. satisfaction.Acts Acts worship have have many of worship many positive positive aspects aspectsin humanlife. life. In prayer, prayer, man man communicates human communicateswith with his Lord Lord directly directlyand and establishes his the establishes the most mostexalted exalted relationship that that infuses infuses him relationship him with with satisfaction satisfaction peace and mind. He He feels feelsthat and peace of mind. that Allah Allah is is with with him: He He hears hearshim, him, responds respondsto him: to him, him, accepts his acceptshis prayers and good prayers and good deeds forgives his sins. deedsand andforgiveshis sins.

This would elevate his This would elevate his spirit to perfection. perfection. He He spirit to would would contemplate contemplate the the verses verses of the the Glorious Glorious Qur'an that that are are recited recited and and realize realize their their implicaimplicaQur'an tions the prayer. prayer. He He tions as as well as as the the general general aims aims of the would moved to comply comply with with their their injunctions injunctions would be be moved and and commandments. commandments. He He would would feel feel the the power power of Allah Allah dominating dominating him as as well as as the the whole whole universe.

UnIverse.

72 make him humble humble and and cause cause him to This would make against trespassing trespassing against abstain from wronging or wronging abstain others. When When he acquires acquires such such traits, traits, he would would others. become the the epitome epitome of iove, love, rnercy, mercy, justice justice and and become good man of guidance. He He would would become become a man good guidance. manners and and refinement, refinement, in full contro! control of his his marulers to able would be he desires and whims.

Further, he would be able desiresand whims. Further, channel all his his feelings, feelings, efforts efforts and and actions actions in rhe the channel proper constructive way. proper constructiveway.

Prayer purifies purifies the the soul and the the gloomigloomierror and soul of error Prayer and reireshes water purifies purifies and refreshes the the ness of sins sins as as water ness inculcates body.

It refines man's character and inculcates in and body. refinesman'scharacter honesty, honesty, him the truthfulness, virtuesof truthfulness, excellentvirtues the excellent frorn man away away from keeps man modesty humility. It keeps and humility. modestyand and actions and evil falsehood {brbiddenactions from all all forbidden and from talsehoodand deeds. deeds. the prayer achieves achievesfor the On prayer 1e.,,e1, colieciive level, the collective On the leads perfeclionand andleads community high degree Cegreeof perfection cornmunity aa high andsucsuchappiness it through and way to collectivehappiness to collective the way throughthe feeiing a individuaia feeling for the cess, the individual hasrealized realizedfor as it has cess,as and dignity and of happiness dignity weli as as consistency, consistency, aswell happinessas integrity. integrity. .Ilis act of worship This many elements eletnentsof t,orship contains containsmany act prayer Congregationai success and social welfare.

Congregational prayer successand socialrvelfare. where is, for social upliftment, where f-act,aa school social upliftment, in fact, school for is, in is equalityis man order unity,and andequality andunity, orcier and exercise mancan canexercise

73 73 fully realizedwith with no no traces fully realized rracesof of discrimination discrimination whatsoever. Those Those who perforrn prayer whatsoever. who perform prayer in in the the right way way shall shallfind find their right their way way to to salvation, salvation, success andeternal eternalhappiness. happiness. success and Whatapplies appliesto prayeralso to prayer What alsoapplies appliesto to other otheracts actsof of worship which, together,contribute worship which, together, contiibuteto to the thebuilding building spiritual, social, social, political, political,economic of spiritual, econcmicwelfare weifare andsolidarity. solidarity. and fact, that that is is the the secret secret behind In fact, behind the tirestandard standardof superiority achieved achieved by by the superiority N{usiimsociety the Muslim society at at the Zenith of its its development, the Zenith development, power, power, and and prosperity. prosperity. final word word on on worship worshipas A final as aa source sourceof success success and happiness happinessis is that and that worship worship in Islam Islamincludes includes every action action aa Muslim performsonly every Muslim performs only for the the sake (Glory of Allah sake Allah (Glory be to Him) and be to and in accordance accordance with His commandments. with His commandments. This This not not only only covers covers ritual actslike ritual acts like prayers prayers performed performed in the the Mosque, Mosque, fasting during during the Ramadan or the the fasting the month month of Ramadan performance performance of Hujj; Hajj; it also also includes includes all human human activities, activities, such such as as learnirr*e. learning, training, training, eating, eating, sleepsleeping, ing, working working ro to earn earn a living fcr for the the sustenance sustenance of the the family family and and all otlier other constructive constructive activiiies activities necessary necessary for the the improvement improvement of of human human liib. life. Ttris This provides of good good deeds deeds provides the the Muslirn Muslim with a treasure treasure of that that contribute contribute to the the realization realization of of an an integral integral and and righteous righteous character character and and enhances enhances his chances chances of of

74 t+ attaining an an everlasting everlasting blissful blissful life in the the attaining Hereafter.The following verse verse from the the Holy Hereafter.The Qur'an guides guides man man to the the way of of prosperity prosperity and and Qur'an success: success: "O "0 ye ye who who believe! believe! Do your your duty duty to Allah, Allah, seek seek (with Him, and strive of approach unto and strive (with the means the meansof approachunto and main) main) in His cause: cause: that that ye ye may may might and prosper," (Qur'an, 5:35) (Qur'an, 5:35) prosper."

"Whoever works righteousness, man man or "Whoever works righteousness, give woman, and has Faith, Faith, verily, verily, to to him will We We give woman, and has pure, good and a new new life, a life that that is and pure, and We is good and to the the will bestow rewardaccording accordingto on such such their their reward bestowon (Qur'an,16:97) best of their actions," (Qur'an, 16:97) actions." best their right conduct.

When these these Faith, meansright conduct.When sincere,means Faith,if sincere, grace transforms Allah's two confirm each other, Allah's grace transforms other, each two confirm worried, troubledand and worried, our being troubled Insteadof being life. Instead our life. insteadof being being we contentment;instead peaceand and contentment; havepeace we have and the falsealarms alarmsand the assailed by false tum by at every every turn assailedat purity. assaults attainpurity, and attain we enjoy enjoy calm calm and evil, we assaultsof evil, itself, but The transformation is visible in this life itself, but this is visible The transformation "reward"in be far far the Hereafterwill be the Hereafter in terms termsof the the "reward" beyond deserts. our deserts. beyondour him) (Peaceand be upon uponhim) The blessingsbe andblessings Prophet(Peace The Prophet said: said: (full) of "Happiness,allhappiness, long life life (full) is long "Happiness,all is happiness, (Narratedby and obedience

by Quda'i Allah." (Narrated to Allah." obedience to Quda'iand

75 75 Daylami on Daylami on the theauthority authorityof Ibn Ibn Umar) Umar) is worth worth mentioning mentioning that It is that obedience obediencemust must be be basedon on sound sound knowledge; knowledge;for based for ignorance ignorance may may distort the godliness and the spirit spirit of godliness distort and deprive deprive worshipof its worship its meaning, meaning,and andrender renderit fruitless fruitlessand and almostfutile. futile. almost There is is aa common There commonsaying sayingwhich which runs runsas follows: asfollows: not feel do not feel that "I do that happiness happinessconsists consistsin the the amassarnassment of aa fortune; fortune; it is ment righteous and is the godly the righteousand godly who are happyl" who arehappy!"

3. Closely Closely akin 3. akin to to the the above above in spiritual spiritualand and devotional aspect is the devotional aspectis the remembrance remembranceof Allah (Glory be be to to Him), Lord and (Glory and Sustainer Sustainer of the the Universe. Associated Universe.

Associatedwith with it are are supplications, supplications, prayers,celebration celebrationof Allah's Allah's praises praisesand prayers, recitaand recitation of the the Glorious tion Glorious Qur'an.

Having seen seenthe the Qur'an.Having influence of faith faith and righteousness on influence and righteousness on man's man's characterand character life, we we find relevant here here to to cite and life, find it relevant cite two two Qur'anic verses which which combine the same combinein the same Qur'anicverses contextthe righteousness faith and context the elements elementsof faith and riqhteousness with with that that of remembrance remembrance of Allah: Allah: "Those "Those who who believe, believe, and and whose whose hearts hearts find find satisfaction in the the remembrance remembrance of Allah: Allah: for satisfaction without do without doubt doubt in the the remembrance remembrance of Allah do

1766 hearts find satisfaction. satisfaction. For those those who believe believe and and hearts (every) righteousness, is (every) blessedness blessedness and and a work righteousness, of (final) retu return."(Qur'an,13:28-29) beautiful place place of m." (Qur'an,13:28-29) beautiful

When man man becomes becomes conscious conscious of of the the bounties bounties When feels him and Allah upcn and favours bestowed upon and feels by bestowed favours and that his his very existence, existence, body, body, spirit, spirit, intellects intellects and and that grantedto him out of generosity, generosity, he he faculties are faculties are granted his Creator's will naturally be moved to celebrate his Creator's wili naturally be moved celebrate acquiresthis grateful to Him. He acquires this praises and praises and be be grateful joy inward and satisfaction and blessedness and inward blessedness anci satisfaction This words. This which describein words. is difficult to describe which is reciting on reciting is also alsofelt on blessedness and satisfactionis and satisfaction biessedness (Glory be be to or listening words of Allah (Glory the words listening to the from aa letter from reading aa letter Him). and reading Receiving and Him). Receiving your heart heart would fill your respectwould person you love personyou love and and respect which could could not with comfort happinesswhich and happiness comfort and and happinessand compare comfort, happiness level of comfort, to the the level compareto words feel the spiritual bliss that one would feel in the words would bliss that one spiritual (Glory be to Him).

Him). and be to nameof Allah (Glory andname His and His Shunning remembrance of Allah and Shunning the the remembrance man humanity deprives of revealed message to humanity deprives man revealedmessageto causes that and satisfaction. satisfaction.It causes that transcendent transcendentjoy and spiritual feeling of spiritual constriction in the chest, a feeling a the chest, constriction desperate void life anddesperate desolateand depression,aa desolate void and anddepression, wrath and andeternal eternal full ultimatelywrath full of worries, worries,and and ultimately punishment punishmentin in the Hereafter. the Hereafter.

n77

"But whosoever whosoeverturns turnsaway "But awayfrom from My My Message, Message, Verily for for him him is is aa life life narrowed Verily narroweddown, down, and and\Ve We raisehim shallraise him up up blind shall Day of Judgment." blind on on the the Day of Judgment."

(Qur'an,20:124) 2A:L24) (Qur'an, 4. Goodness Goodnesstnd 4. and Kindness to Others: Kindnessto Others: This emanates emanatesfrom from the This the very very essence essenceof faith. faith.

Prophet (Peace Muhammad Prophet Muhammad (Peace and andblessings blessingsbe be upon upon him) said: said: him) "All creatures creaturesare "All of Allah, are dependants de.pendants Allah, and and the the most favoured most favoured among among them thenrby Allah is

by Allah is the theone one who is is most most helpful helpful to who to His His dependants." dependants."

(Nanatedby Tabarani, Tabarani,Abu Abu Naeem (Narrated Naeemand and Bayhaqi) Bayhaqi) Thus, active active faith faith turns turns man Thus, man into into aa mercy mercy to to himself and to others. himself and to others.

There are are many fonns and There many forms manifestations of and manifestations gcodness are based goodness thar that are based on the Muslim's Muslim's being being a on the mercy mercy to humanity. humanity. This This is is represented represented by his his natural natural inclination inclination and and keennes-s keenness to save save other other people people from from error error and and lead lead them them to to salvation. salvation.

However, However, this this can can only be be achieved achieved if if he he is is a reai real embodiment his faith. faith. The The tendency tendency tor,vards towards embodiment of his kindness kindness emanates emanates from human human reciprocal reciprocal relations; relations; for man's man's delight delight depends depends on the the delight of others delight of others and and vice vice versa, versa, and and this this reciprocity reciprocity provides provides happiness happiness for both both the the

788 7 as a whole. whole. individual and and the the society society as individual A Muslim's Muslim's goodness goodness is not only limited to A cover eveevebrothers in faith; faith; but, but, it also also extends extends to cover brothers ry being, human or otherwise. ry being,human otherwise.

(Peace and Prophet Muhammad Muhammad (Peace blessings be be and blessings Prophet upon him) said: said: upon "Every Muslim should "Every act of charity." charity." do an an act should do peoplesaid. "supposehe said.

"Suppose that? people afford that? he couldn't couldn'tafford give out out "Let him work with his his hands handsand and give charity," he answered. answered. charity," he it? they "supposehe they said. said.

"Suppose afford it? he couldn't couldn'tafford he grievedand "Let needy,"he "Lrt him help help the the grieved and needy," answered. answered. "supposehe "Suppose it," they theysaid. said. affort it," he couldn't couldn'taffort "Let him do is an "Let goodand avoidevil, an act act andavoid evil, it is do good of charity him." charityfor him."

(Narratedby Imam Imam Bukhari) Bukhari) (Narrated '

But such andbe be sincerityand must be be based basedon on sincerity charitymust suchcharity intention free hyprocrisy,bad bad intention from any any kind of hyprocrisy, free from or motives: or ulterior ulterior motives: your charity "O ye charity "0 ye who not your who believe!

Cancel not believe!Cancel generosityor injury." by your generosity or by by injury." reminders of your by reminders (Qur'an,2:264) (Qur'an, 2:264)

79 79 Renunciation 5. Renunciation of Too Too Long-Term Long-TermHopes of 5.

Hopes and Griefs Griefsof of the thePast: Past: and Many people peoplespend spendmost mostof Many of their theirtime timeworrying worrying about their their future future life life and about and keep keep regretting regrettingpast past mishaps.

They live live in in continuous mishaps. They continuous worry worf and and misery. mIsery. goodsolution solutionto A good to this this source sourceof worries worriesis is to live to live within the the limits limits of today. within today.This This does doesnot not mean meanto to neglect the future and stop planning for neglect the future and stop planning for it, it, nor nor doesit involve involve failure failure to to draw draw lessons does lessonsfrom from past past experiences. aims at at ridding ridding our experiences.

It aims our life life of obsesobsession futile cares caresthat sion with futile that lead lead us us only onlv to to stress stress andfrustrations. frustrations. and According to one one thinker: thinker: According "We shouldnot not look forward forward to a goal "We should goal that that looks looks faint in the the distance; distance; in fact, fact, we have have to comcomplete plete the the clear clear works works that that we have have in hand." hand."

Another Another says: says: "Life "Life is short, short, we must must not make make it shorter shorter bv by care care and and troubles." troubles."

Living within the the limits limits of of today today is consistent consistent with the the sayings sayings of of Prophet Prophet Muhammad Muhammad (Peace (Peace and and blessings blessings be be upon upon him): him): "He who is safe safe (in his his home), home), healthy healthy (in his body), body), with with enough enough provisions provisions for for the the day, day, is is like like one one who who possesses possesses everything everything in in the the world." world."

80 80 of happy happy life life You will will possess possess the the basic basic elements elements of You of requirements the if you acquire the requirements of in this world in this world if you acquire safe and and happy happy living living such such as: as: safe 1. Physical Physical (residential, (residential, social, social, political political 1. and security; security; military) and Health security; security; and and 2. Health Food security. security.

3. Food So why worry? If If you let yourself yourself be be haunted haunted So fears and and worries worries about about the the future future all the the with fbars present. enjoy the to time, be able able to enjoy the present. not be you will not time, you lessons draw lessons problem, and anddraw Plan no problem, future, no the future, Planfor the worrytoo absorbed absorbedin worryfrom be too neverbe past,but never the past, from the on much on too much ing future life or dwell too ing about about your future your past glories or shortcomings. glories shortcomings. your past peace and peace safety and the safety Some people understimate understimatethe Somepeople gryat these scorn they enjoy.

They may even scorn these great they enjoy.They may even misfortheir misforof their effectsof favours theeffects exaggeratethe andexaggerate favbursand and aa reality of is a denial of reality and tunes.

This contempt is a denial contempt tunes. This individual. the individual. life of of the major the life spoilsthe factor that that spoils major factor the on the not dependent is is relative and is not dependent on Happiness and relative is Happiness is deprived who manwho is deprived of degree wealthyman A wealthy wealth.A of wealth. degr-ee while aa misery, while of misery, life of of leadsaa life contentment leads of contentment life hislife lead will means of average or low means will lead his man low man of averageor

81 81 happily he isis contented contented happily ifif he and and has has aa realistic realistic view in life. life. What What helps helps man view in man to get rid to get rid of of frets and andworries worriesisisaacomplete completetrust frets in his Bountitrust in his Bountiful, Almighty Almighty Lord.

Lord. ful, The Holy Holy Qur'an pointedout The out the the benefits benefitsof Qur'anpointed of faith faith and (Glory trustin in Allah Allah (Glory be and trust beto to him him ).).

"And for for him him who (andobserves who fears fearsAllah "And Allah (and observes his-duty to Allah), (ever) He his duty to Allah), He (ever) prepares preparesaa way way out, our, and He He provides providesfor for him him from (sources)he and from (sources) he never¡ never couldexpect. expect.And And whoever whoeverputs putshis could his trust trustin Allah, Allah, He will sufficehim. him. For For Allah Allah will surely He suffice surelyaccomaccom_ plish.His purpose.Verily for all His purpose. plish all things thingshas has Allah Allah appointed proportion." a due appointed a due proportion." (Qur'an 6S:OZ-I) leur'an 65:02-3) It is trust that, that, at at once, once, fills one one with is this this kind of trust peace of mind mind and and contentment contentment along along with the the peace realization realization that that everything everything is is within within thJpower the power of Allah (the (the Creator) Creator) and and drives drives one one to be be more more optimistic optimistic about about life, active active and and hadrworkins hadrworking ., not idle or suffering suffering from inertia. inertia.

Speaking Speaking of of short-term short-term hopes hopes and and aspira-tions, aspira-tions, let's cite the following invaluable of the the let's cite the following invaluable woids words of holy holy Prophet Prophet (Peace (Peace and and blessings blessings be be upon upon him): him): "When "When you you pass pass the the day day and and arrive arrive at at the the evening, evening,

82 82 do not not expect expect that that you you will will pass pass night night and and hope hope to to do the in you arrive reach morning, and when you arrive in the when and moming, reach morning do do not not look look forward forward to to the the evening' evening. morning While in in health, health, be be ready ready for for illness, illness, and and while while While Imam ( by Narrated alive, prepare for death.' ( Narrated by Imam death.' alive,prepare for Bukhari) Bukhari) of human human life, the the Prophet Prophet the transience transience of On the (Peace and and blessing blessing be upon upon him) said: said: (Peace am in this this world like a rider rider who who halts halts in the the "I am taking after tree for a short short time, time, and and after taking shade of a tree shade joumey the tree tree leaves the and some rest resumes his journey and leaves his resumes rest some behind."

(Narrated by Tirmidhi) behind." (NarratedbY

the meaning of the real meaning You the real appreciatethe would appreciate You would life of reality thereality on the above life meditateon you meditate words if you abovewords some for lasts that and conceive of it as a film that lasts for some a as conceive and life' episodeof life. or episode time life or whole life presentingaa whole time presenting .Ilne Days follows: Days is as asfollows: life is The similitude humanlife of human iimilituds of grow old old you when go by like a film and when you grow and film like a go by you review pastlife, life, you review itit and your past on your backon iook back Ind look does thisdoes Yet , this movie .. Yet, like excitingmovie anexciting watchingan like watching from distracted be not imply that man should be distracted from should impll' that man not legitimate leading legitimate or entertaining entertaining life or activelife an active leading an mea-ns simplymeans aspirations of future.ItIt simply for the thefuture. life for of life aspiratlons the plan for life and your that live your life and plan for the youcan alwayslive canalways thatyou let butlet persistence, and persistence, future but confidenceand with confidence futuie with

83 83 everything be be in in your your hand everything handand anddo do not not allow allow anything in theworld world to possess anything in the your to possess your heart heartand and dominateyou you like like aa slave. dominate slave.Be Be aa master masterof yourof yourselfby by controlling controlling your your desires self desiresbut but not not the theother other way round. way round.

ProphetMuhammad (Peaceand Muhammad(Peace Prophet andblessing blessingbe be upon upon him was qouted him)) was qouted as assaying: saying: "May he he perish perishwho who is is the "May the slave slaveof dinar dinar and and dirham* of black black and dirham* of cloth. ** and striped stripedsheets sheets cloth.** (Reported Imam Bukhari

by Imam Bukhari) (Reported by essential pre-reqUISite pre-requisiteof happiness An essential happinessis is the the understanding the role role of man of the in this world and understanding man in this world and his position positionand and function functionas his as aa servant servantof Allah Allah on on the one one hand, hand,and and aa trustee the trusteeof Allah Allah on on earth earthon on the other other hand. hand. Thus, Thus, man the be ruled man would would be ruled and and guided guided by divine divine light light and and would would behave behave with with a a sense sense of responsibility. responsibility. So So a Muslim Muslim strives strives to to make the best make the best of his his time time to to produce produce for himself himself and and other other people people what what is useful useful for tl'rem them ,and ,and to prepare himself for the prepare himself the future future both both in this this life * Dinar and Dirham: currency * Dinar and Dirham: currency used used during during the the tirne time of of the the prophet Prophet (Peacc (Peace and and blessing blessing be be upon upon him), him), which which rcscmbles resembles thc the 'dollar 'dollar and and cenls" cenL," or or thc'pounfl the 'pound and and pence. pence. ** Black Black and and antl and stripc.rt striped shccrs sheets of of cloth: cloth: prccious precious cloth, cloth, syrnbolizing symbolizing

**

Iuxury luxury ciothes clothes and and cos{.umcs. costumes.

84 84 and in in the the Hereafter.

Hereafter. Listen Listen to to this this golden golden rule rule of of and Messenger Allah's happiness in the the words words of of Allah's Messenger happiness (Peace and and blessing blessing be be upon upon him ): (Peace "Take advantage advantage of of five before before five: your youth youth "Take before your senility; senility; your health health before before your before sickness; your wealth wealth before before your poverty; poverty; sickness; your life and, your leisure before your occupation; and, your your leisurebeforeyour occupation; before your death." death." before Hakim)) (Reported by Imams Imams Ahmad, Ahmad, Baihaqi Baihaqi and and Hakim (Reported be used used man, should shouldbe Youth, prime of man, is the the prime which is Youth, which strife; competition in fruitful and constructive competition strife; and constructive should health, golden opportunity opportunity in life, should the golden health,the is wealth, diseases; of diseases; wealth, is used for the prevention prevention the used profor be used used also promust be which must opportunitywhich an opportunity alsoan is aa major major which is tection leisure,which poverty; leisure, from poverty; tection from must be world, must be problem our contemporary contemporaryworld, problem of our must and must responsibilityand treated senseof responsibility with aa sense treatedwith are constructive be used only for activities which are constructive which for activities only used be is the life is the whole life and the whole finally, the and,finally, worthwhile; and, andworthwhile; provision make provision greatest man to for man to make greatestopportunity opportunityfor in the journey the world, future for the final journey into the future world, in into the for the final Will.

DivineWill.

Hereafter with with the theDivine in accordance accordance Hereafterin andthe the Preparation Day of Judgmentand of Judgment for the the Day Preparation for involve not involve doesnot attainment happinessdoes eternalhappiness of eternal attainmentof full the requires It life. of this worldly life.

It requires the full the neglect worldly this the neglectof

85 85 exploitationand improvementof andimprovement exploitation of our our society societyas as well as the building well as the building of of aa lofty lofty civilization civilizarionbased based on the the Divine Divine Guidance Guidance as on as revealed revealedby

by Aliah Allah unto His His Messenger, Messenger,Muhammad (Peace and Muhammad (Peace unto and blessingbe beupon uponhim) him ) .. blessing 6. A major major source sourceof discontent 6. discontentand andunhappiness unhappiness is the the feeling feeling of inadequacy inadequacyand is and incapability, incapability, while opulent opulent people people enjoy while enjoy the pleasures and thepleasures and luxury life. of The most effective luxury life. The most effective solution solutionto to such aa source sourceof uneasiness uneasinessand such and suffering sufferingis is to to forgetabout peoplewith aboutpeople with higher forget of living; higherstandard srandard living; you compare for if if you compareyourself yourselfwith such for peopleyou suchpeople you only incur incur misery. misery. You will only You would would find find solace solace when you you dicover dicoverthat you are when that you areendpwed endgwedwith more more blessings by Allah than blessings than many many others. orhers.We We have have alreadybeen to this this golden golden rule rule given given by already been guided guided to Prophet (Peaceand Prophet Muhammad Muhammad (Peace blessings be be upon upon and blessings him following words: him)) in the the following words: "Look at at those those inferior inferior to to you, you, and and do do not look look at at those you. Thereby, Thereby, you you would would be be able able those superior superior to you. to appreciate appreciate better better the the benevolence benevolence of of Allah bestowed bestowed upon upon you." you." (Narrated (Narrated by Imams Imams Bukhari Bukhari and Muslim) and Muslim) On another another occasion occasion the the Messenger Messenger of Allah (Peace him)) said: said: (Peace and and blessing blessing be be upon upon him

86 86 "When any any of of you you happens happens to see see one one on whom whom "When Allah has has bestowed bestowed more more riches riches and and a finer finer phyphyinferior to him sique, he should should look at one one who is inferior sique, this respect)." respect)." (Narrated (Narrated by Imam Imam Bukhari) Bukhari) (in this

A Muslim is generally generally satisfied satisfied with his his lot from A regarding such such matters matters which fall outside outside Allah regarding and beyond beyond his his means means and and ability. ability. This, This, however, however, and does not not indicate indicate any any defeatist defeatist attitude attitude or fatalism fatalism does its passive passive denotation; rather, a Muslim Muslim denotation; rather, in its enjoysa and enjoys exercises his free actively and free will actively exerciseshis faith, a his faith, dynamic personality. As As part part of his dynamic personality. and in Judgmentand Muslim Day of Judgment the Dayof believesin the Muslim believes relief in cases cases giveshim him relief the which gives Divine Justice Justicewhich the Divine justice. fulfilment of justice. where the fulfilment no way way to to the he finds finds no wherehe is ephemeral ephemeral After world is this world everythingin this After all, all, everything possessions worldly is not the worldly possessions and what matters not is the and what matters the for the preparationfor one right preparation the right hold but but the may hold onemay guided faithful and and guided Hereafter, the faithful which the in which Hereafter, in Bliss, Abode of Bliss, believer EternalAbode into the the Eternal entersinto believerenters This misery.This where or misery. no bitterness bittemessor be no shallbe wherethere thereshall and consolation fact gives him a complete consolation and complete gives him a fact is conscious he is conscious relieves .Forhe his suffering suffering.For him of his relieveshim justice prevail will of the fact that on that day justice will prevail day on that that fact the of and his due, and receivehis due, and ableto to receive will be beable everybodywill andeverybody him or or boast boast wronghim no on him, wrong on him, will trespass trespass no one onewill protect lot to a over him.

This awareness helps a lot to protect helps overhim. This awareness

87 87 man from much much anxiety anxiety and and uneasiness. uneasiness. man matters of religion, religion, piety piety and and acquisition acquisition of In matters knowledge, we we had had better better look at at those those superior superior knowledge, to us us in good good deeds, deeds, upright upright behaviour behaviour and and in the the pursuit of useful useful knowledge. knowledge. pursuit

better understanding understanding of things things 7. Building Building of better 7. misconceptions and and superssupersand getting rid of misconceptions and getting and titions deliver deliver man man from ignorance, illusions illusions and from ignorance, titions and baseless worries worries that that spoil his tranquility tranquility and spoil his baseless happiness. On the the contrary, ignorance of realities realities happiness. contrary,ignorance and draw draw entices wrong avenues peopleto take wrong avenuesand to take enticespeople sufferings. them and undue unduesufferings. ridiculesand into troubles, troubies,ridicules them into who Take, child who case of aa child instance,the the case Take, for instance, the case case develops tameanimals, animals,or the fear of certain certaintame developsfear get scared harmless of some who get scaredof harmless women who some women are men who who are creatures somemen even the the case caseof some creaturesor even that haunted by the thebelief belief that omensor or by fearof bad bad omens hauntedby fear would notionswould men evil. Such Suchnotions intrinsicallyevil. men are are intrinsically to behave behave undoubtedly individual to the individual cause the undoubtedly cause which life which erroneously miserablelife lead aa very very miserable and lead erroneouslyand and his character may have unwelcome effects on his character and on may have unwelcomeeffects leadto the development development environment. may lead to the They may environment.They halanxiety,halof such anxiety, depression, asdepression, abnormalitiesas suchabnormalities etc. psychosis, neurosis, lucination, neurosis, psychosis, etc. lucination,schizophrenia, schizophrenia, happiness way to isis 8. to happiness on the theway step on importantstep 8. One Oneimportant

88 88 to work work towards towards halTI10ny to harmonywithin within oneself oneselfand andwith with the outward outward world: world: in the the school, in the the family, family, at school, in at the office,in in society societyand generally,in office, andmore moregenerally, in humanity. humanity.

The achievement achievementof such harmony requires The such halTI10ny requiresthe the personality building up of one's one'spersonality so building up so as as to to become become stable,confident,consistent,flexible stable, and confident,consistent,flexible andadaptable. adaptable.

Character building Character building could could be be achieved achievedby adopting the adopting the Islamic Islamic educational educationalsystem system which which helps man man to to acquire helps acquireaa balanced perbalancedand and sound soundpersonalityand sonality andco-exist co-exist and and adapt adapthimself himself easily easily people and to other other people to and things things around aroundhim so so that that he he could help help to to create createaa happy happyenvironment. could environment.

9.Accessto to happiness happinesscan 9.Access can also also be be obtained obtained through several several factors factors necessary through necessaryfor aa sucsuccessful and happy life, and happy life, namely: good health, cessful namely: good health, (constructive)reasoning time, affluence affluenceand and sound time, sound(constructive) reasoning provided, however, provided, however, that that these these are are supplemented supplemented with inner inner wealth wealth through through spiritual guidance withspiritualguidance out which suchelements elementswould out which such would be be only only a source source and destruction. destruction.Without of evil and Without the the inner inner wealth wealth and contentment, contentment,all riches this and riches and treasures of this and treasures world would suffice to make would not suffice make a man man happy. happy.

Islam Islam takes takes a positive positive view of life with virtue virtue lying not in shunning of Allah bur but in shunning the the bounties bounties of enjoying of them enjoying them the framework framework of within the

89 89 "righteous living" "righteous living" through through which which Islam Islam seeks seeks to promote human welfare: promote humanwelfare: to "O ye "0 ye who who believe! believe! Make Make not not unlawful unlawful the the good things which which Allah hath hath made made lawful for good things not you,but you,but commit loveth not no excess: commit no excess:for Allah loveth those givento to excess. excess. thosegiven "Eat of the provided "Eat which Allah Allah hath hath provided things which the things good;but Whom for you, you, lawful fear Allah, Allah, in Whom lawful and but fear andgood; (Qur'an,5:87-88) you you believe."

5:87-88) believe."(Qur'an,

Islam on the the lays aa lot of stress and emphasis emphasison Islam also stressand also lays need both need for simultaneous simultaneous enrichment enrichment of both infused material spiritual values to be deeply infused values be deeply materialand spiritual and into life. into the the individual's individual'slife.

10. is based basedon on cooperation cooperationand and 10. Social Social solidarity solidarityis the presence of altruism altruism and and civil spirit. spirit. Such Such the presence elements force were never never deep-rooted deep-rootedand and in full force elementswere anywhere were in the the early early as they they were the world world as anywherein the lofty and lofty ideal That civilized civilized and Muslim society. society. That ideal Muslim faith of the active faith society was a living reflection active was living reflection the a society of Muslim commandments the commandments Muslim believers believersand and of the His last last revealed preached by His Allah and and preached revealed by Allah (Peace Prophet and Muhammad (Peace and humanity, Muhammad Prophet to to humanity, was blessings result,of course, course,was him); the be upon upon him); the result, blessingsbe prosperityand collective happiness. andhappiness. collectiveprosperity

90 90 Read with with me: me: Read "Help ye ye one "Help and one another anotherin in righteousness righteousness and piety, but ye not not one piety, but help help ye one another anotherin sin sin and and (Qur'an,5:3) rancour."(Qur'an,5:3) rancour."

"A believer is like like aa brick for another believer is brick for another believer,the believer, the one onesupporting supportingthe the other." other."

(Reportedby Imams ImamsBukhari Bukhariand (Reported Muslim) andMuslim) "The similitude "The similitudeof believers regarCto believersin regard mutual to mutual love, affection, feilow-feelingis love, affection,and and fellow-feeling is that that of one one body; body; when when any any limb of it aches, aches,the the whole whole body body and aches, a c h e s ,because b e c a u s eof o f sleeplessness sl e e p l e ssn e ss a n d fever." fever ."

(Repcrtedby Imams ImamsBukhari Bukhariand (Reported and Muslim) Muslim) "None of you you is perfect believer "None is aa perfect until he he believeruntil his brother desires desiresfor his brotherbeliever beiiever that which he he dethat which de(Reportedby Imams himself." (Reported sires siresfor himself."

ImamsBukhari Rukhari and Muslim) andMuslim) "A Muslim Musiim owes owessix six obligations obligationstowards towards another anotherMuslim, Muslirn,namely: namely: you meet 1. When Wlien you nleet him, greethim 1. him, greet him by saying: Peace Peacebe you; saying: be on on you; 2. vVhen When he he invites invite-syou, you, you you should 2. should ht i s invitation; i n vi ta ti o n : accept a c c e phis your advice, Whenhe he solicits 3.

3. When solicitsyour advice,advise advise hiin him sincerely; sincerely; 4.

4. When When he he sneezes and praises praises Allah, Allah, sneezes and respond respond with supplication: May supplication:May Allah have have mercy mercy on on you; you; Allah

91 91 you should 5. he falls Whenhe falissick, shouldvisit visit 5. When sick,you him; him; and, and, 6.

6. When Whenhe he dies, his funeral." funeral." dies,join his (Reportedby Imam (Reported Imam Muslim) Muslim) "Onewho "One who believes Allah and the Day Day of believesin Allah and the hardshipand Judgment Judgmentmust must not not cause causehardship and inconveninconvenience he who who believes ience to his neighbor; neighbor;and and he believes in to his guest.

Allah Allah and the Last Last Day Day must rnusthonour honourhis his guest, and the and he who who believes Day of and he believes in Allah and and the the Day well or keepquiet!" quiet!"

Judgment Judgmentmust mustspeak speakwell or keep (Narratedby Imams (Narrated imams Bukhari Bukhariand andMuslim) Muslim) Al-Khattatr, the Omar Omar bin AI-Khattab, the second secondCaliph Caliph after after (Peaceand Muharnmad (Peace the death of Prophet Prophet Muhammad the death and blessings fat and meat blessingsbe be upon uponhim), him), refused refusedto eatfat andmeat to eat peopiehave until until all all people havehad had enought enoughtto to eat. eat.

A society of education and alsocietywith with such standards education andalsuchstandards truistic solidarity and harmonious truisticspirit, harmonious spirit,with with such and suchsolidarity relations,with re-lations, with such mannersand suchexcellent excellentmanners and selfselfsacrifice, sacrifice,such suchaa society is really reallyaa very very happy happyone. societyis one.

11. Stability persr:nalityis 11.

Stabilityof the humanpersonality is one one of the human inthe elements both theessential essential elementsof happiness happiness theinbothon on the we dividual and the the collective levels.How How could dividualand coliectivelevels. could we attain personality?Let's Let's well-balancedpersonality? attain aa stable, stable, well-balanced

92 92 referto the words refer to the wordsof Allah in the Allah in the Glorious GloriousQur'an Qur'an and trace tracesome someof the and of importantconstituents the important constituents suchcharacter: character: such Seekingguidance guidancefrom ** Seeking from the the Holy Holy Qur'an: Qur'an: "Verily this this Qur'an "Verily guideto doth guide to that that which which is is Qur'andoth (or stable).... mostright most "(Qura'n,, 17:9) right(or stable)...."(Qura'n ll:9) Forbearanceand ** Forbearance and

deliberation: deliberation: Haste Haste is is aa dangerto to the the stability danger stabilityof human humancharacter. character.Man Man irt irt his haste hastemay may unwittingly his evil for good. unwittinglymistake mistakeevil for good.

Hasteand andimpatience, impatience,due Haste failureto dueto to failure to attain attainone's one's ambitionsor or desires, ambitions desires,may may move move one one to pray for to pray for evil instead good evil instead of good or be be contented contentedwith with the the immediatelittle little gain gainand give up immediate greaterfuture and give up the the greater future g a rn . gain. child is born with ** A child is born with an intact nature nature that that grows grows an intact in aa stable upright manner manner until until he/she he/she reaches reaches stableupright maturity. maturity. Deviation Deviation of the the character character takes takes place place as as extemalfactors. aa result result of external Therefore, the the Qur'an factors.Therefore, Qur'an provides provides remedial remedial doses the achievement dosesfor the achievementof character character stability stability and and virtuousness, virtuousness, and and the the treatment treatment of evils evils of deviation deviation and and corruption corruption before control. It has has made made before they they become become out out of control. clear clear the the straight straight path path of righteousness righteousness and and wamed warned

93 93 against the waysof error. against the ways error. Moreover, Moreover,it has hasalso also pointedout out that man is is endowed pointed that man with the faculty endowedwith the faculty distinguishing right from from wrong. wrong. of distinguishing right "By the the soul, proportionand soul, and and the the proportion andorder order givento iU" given it;" to "And its its enlightenment enlightenmentas its wrong wrong and as to to its and its its right;" right;" "Truly he purifiesit," "Truly that he succeeds succeeds thatpurifies it," "And he "And "(Qur'an 91:7-10) he fails fails that thatcorrupts it!"(Qur'an comrptsit!

91:7-10) passagedraws The above abovepassage The drawsthe the attention attentionof man man to to the role role of self-purification the self-purificationand stabilizationin and stabilization the achievement achievemen[of success the successand and happiness. happiness.Man Man leam and shouldlearn should that prosandunderstand understand thathis his success, prossuccess, perity and perity and salvation salvationdepend dependon himself, on on himself, on his his keepinghis his soul pure as keeping soulas as pure as Allah Allah has hasmade madeit; it; on on the other failure,decline otherhand,his hand,hisfailure, perdition the decline and and perdition dependon his soiling on his soilinghis his soul depend soulby choosing choosingevil. evil.

**

An outstanding outstandingfeature feature of a well-balanced well-balanced personality fields of life in personality is is moderation moderation in all all fields general and in the financialfield general and the financial particular. field in particular.

"And "And render render to to the the kindred kindred their their due due rights, rights, as as (also) (also) to to those those in want, want, and and to the the wayfarer: wayfarer: but but squander not not (your (your wealth) wealth) in the the manner manner of a squander spendthrift." spendthrift." (Qur'an, (Qur'an, 17:26) 17:26)

94 94 "Make not (like aa niggard's) "Make not thy hand tied tied (like niggard's)to to thy thy thy hand neck, neck, nor stretch to its its utmost reach,so stretch it i:tlrth utmost reach, so !-rrth to that become blameworthy and destitute." destitute." that thou thou become blameworthy and (Ibid, 17:29) (Ibid, 17:29) not to lavish as We We are so lavish as to to make make ourselves ourselves are not to be be so destitute incur the wise men, men, destituteand and incur the just censure censureof wise to keep back our resources from nor nor is is it becoming keep back our resources from becomingto just our the needs the needsof those who have have aa right right to to our those who help. help. keepsman man away ** A stable from degradegracharacterkeeps away from stablecharacter

lying, dation crimes, such such as lying, murder, murder, dation and and crimes, as suicide, adultery, drug drug addiction, fraud, rape, rape, addiction,fraud, suicide, adultery, robbery, usury and other sins robbery,theft, theft, usury and other sins which which are are in personality and contradiction stable personality and contradiction with aa stable ideprivethe Ideprive its stability peace. stabilityand andpeace. the society societyof its peaceand 12.

12.The T\e feeling feelingof peace andsecurity securityor freedom from fear andanxiety. anxietlz. freedomfrom fearand

Happines from inside insidethe humanmind mind and Happinessprings springsfrom the human and peaceof the psychoheart. heart.Therefore, Therefore,peace the mind mind and and psychoplay a major role in the logical major role the attainment attainment iogicalsecurity securityplaya peoplecould find of happiness.

Many wealthypeople could not not find happiness.

Many wealthy luxury the way to happiness despite the luxury they way despite they the to happiness the 'lhat enjoy. iack of the aforesaid enjoy.That is is due due to to their their lack the aforesaid

95 95 factor.At At the the same sametime, time,many factor. manypeople peoplewho who lack lack the luxury.of life enjoysuch the luxury of life enjoy suchinner inner security securityand and throughthis this they they experience experienceaa great through great deal aeal of of happiness. happiness.

Peaceof of mind mind and andthe the feeling feelingof Peace of security securitycould could be achieved getting by be - achieved by getting rid rid of of fear fear and and anxiety, inxiety, andobservance observance peopleof by people and by of their their duties dutiesto to their theii Almighty Lord, Lord, moved movedsimultaneously Almighty by fear simultaneously by fearof Allah and love for Him. Him. This This would Allah and love for would make mike them them keepaway awayfrom from all all forms forms of agression and keep agression andharm, harm, thus causing causing peace peace and thus and security security to prevail in to prevail society.The The feeling feeling of security securityis society. is boosted boostedby the the awareness that Allah Allah continuously continuouslywatches awareness that over watchesover everyhuman humanact act and andbehaviour. every behaviour.

"Allah ever "Allah ever watches watches over over you."(eur'an, you."(Qur'an, 4:l) 4:1) Security may Security may also also be be stablished stablished and and strestrengthened by mutual ngthened mutual mercy mercy and and sympathy sympathy and and caring of society society badly badly in neeO need of of caring for sectors sectors of protection patronage protection and and patronage such such as as orphans. orphans.

Organization Organization of of family family affairs affairs helps helps aiso also to to remove remove the the causes causes of of anxiety. anxiety. Read Read the the following following verse verse from from the the holy holy Qur'an Qur'an on on the the wife-husbani wife-husband relationship: relationship: "...and "...and among among His His (Allah's) (Allah's) signs signs is is this, this, that that He He

96 96 created for for you you mates mates from from among among yourselves,yourselves, created that ye ye miy may dwell dwell in in tranquility tranquility with with them, them, and and that (hearts): your put love and mercy between your (hearts): He has between mercy and put love He has veril y in in that that are are Signs Signs for for those those who who reflect.'' reflect." verily (Qur'an, (Q u r' a n30:21) ,30:21) It is this this mutual mutual relationship relationship of of iove, love, mercy mercy and and It to the security of affection that gives the sense security the sense gives the affection that this who enjoy whole family, family, including including children children enjoy this whole This parents' their under the protection their parents.

This sense of protection the senseunder society, in Islamic relationship ¡is well-organized Islamic society, relationship'iswell-organized obligations_ andobligations rightsand including prescription of rights the prescription includingthe stability so that family member of the family so that stability for every the every member may lives. their lives. prevailin their may prevail

founthe foundown the laid down On Islam laid scope,Islam larger scope, On aa larger by in society society by peace in of security dations and peace security and dations bf and rules and fair rules establishing and fair comprehensive-and establishing comprehensive social, moral, regulations for all human affairs: moral, social, regulations for all human affairs: of fields of and other otherfields political, economicand military, economic po-litical,military, human endeavour. humanendeavour. the relievesthe and relieves souland 13. purifies purifiesthe thesoul Repentance 13.Repentance guilt.

The and of sin human burdenof sin and guilt. The the burden of the mind of humanmind aim twofold: penitenceisis twofold: of penitence aim of worldand and in this thisworld life in Peace of mind and carefree life carefree Peaceof mind and Repentance' Herreafter.Repentance, everlasting in the theHerreafter. bliss in everlastingbliss

97 97 in its its Islam Islamic ic impor import, t, does does not not involv involve, e, as as in Christ Christianity, ianity , any any kind of confe confession ssion of sins sins to to aa pnest or to priest to any any man. man. Islam Islam teache teaches s that that there there are are no no media mediators tors or interc intercessors essors in the the relatio relationship nship betwe between en Allah and and His His servan servants. ts. In fact, fact, anyon unyon'.

- e could could alway always s turn turn_direct directly ly to to Allah for help help and and forgiv forgiveness, eness, for He He is is too too Gener Generous ous and and Kind Klnd to to turn you turn you down. down. The The Holy Qur'a n explai explains ns to to us us eur'an how how Merci Merciful ful is is Allah to us: us: "Y!.n n IVIy "Whe My servan servants ts ask ask thee theeconce rning Me, conceming Me, I am am indeed indeedclose (to them) close(to them): : I listen listen to the ro the praye frayeir of every every supp.l suppliant iant when when he he callet calleth h on on Me: Me: Let Lef them tt em also, also,with with aa will, listen listen to to My call, call, and and believ believe e in Me: that they they may may walk in the the right right way." way." (Qur'a (eur'an, n, Y-.a llut 2:186 2 : 1 8 )6 ) "..., 0O ye ye Believ Believers! ers! Turn Tum ye ye all all togeth together er towar toward d . --..,, Allah, Allah, that thatye ye may may attain attainBliss."

Bliss."(Qur'a (eurbn, n, 24:31 24:31) ) pursuit 14.

14.Learn Leaming ing and andPursu it of Know Knowledge ledge open open for man man,the the gatew gateway ay to to succe success ss and and happi haippiness. ness.

Have Haveaa look look at at human human civiliz civilization ation throug throughout hout histor history y and and see seehow how know knowledge ledge impro improved ved man's rian's life and and introd introduced uced many many innov innovations ations and and facilifacili_ ties ties for the the servic service e of man. man. But know knowledse ledge and and scienc science e are are two-e two-edged dged weapo weapon: n: they they could couli raise raise lofty lofty tower towers s but but could could also also destro destroy. y. So So

98 98 knowledge must must be be channelled channelled into into the the right right way way knowledge manof welfare and that leads to the happiness and welfare of manhappiness the to that leadi of the the tremendous tremendous advancement advancement in in kind. Despite Despite of kind. and human knowledge, knowledge, particularly particularly in in science science and human is full utilization their technology, it is sad that their full utilization is that technology,it iJ sad trespassing generally geared geared towards towards oppression, oppression, trespassing generally and on human resources, and suppression suppression violation resources, 6n human of basic basic human human rights, rights, international international terrorism terrorism and blackmail,and blackmail,and the the like. and knowledge in general, general, and and the the Constructive knowledge Constructive in Law and Guidance of Divine Guidance and knowledge Divine knowledge betterment human particular, pave the way for human betterment way particulai, pave the and happiness. andhappiness.

Muslims knowledge,Muslims Guided kind of knowledge, such kind by such Guidedby build aa to build able to were able over centuries, were many centuries, over many human of human aspectof civilization every aspect coveredevery that covered civilization that rarely spiritual)rarely (both material and spiritual) advancement materialand advancement(both history' in history. attained civilization in other civilization any other by any attained by of need in is badly Nowadays, nationis badly in need of Muslim nation ihe Muslim Nowadays,the to aa aga.into humanif" again aa revival leadhumanit" to lead in order orderto revivai in ano prosperlty justice, peace, of justice, peace, prosperity and civilization civilization of and knowledgeand happiness knowledge constructive on constructive basedon happinessbased knowledge of knowledge pursuitof Divine thepursuit On the Guidance. On Divinb Guidance. and learning we read in the Holy Qur'an: Holy Qur'an: andlearningwe readin the in me in advance me "" ...but Lord! advance my Lord!

Jay,aO my ...but say,

99 99 knowledge!

(Qur'an, 2A lt14) knowledge! "" (Qur'an, 20:114) Proptret Muhammad(Peace (peaceand be Prophet Muhammad andblessing blessing beupon upon -pursuii him ) stressed stressedthe the importance importanceof him) the pursuit of of the of knowledge asaaway wayto toeternal knowledge as eternalhappiness: happiness: "If personfollows follows aa path pain for for acquiring acquiring . "If a person knowledge, Allah will make easy to knowledge, Allah will make easythe puriug. rhepassage t5 ^tvtusilm) paradisefor for him."

(Narrateclby him." (Narrated paradise

by Imam Imam Muslim) Pursuitof of knowledge knowledgeprovides providesman Pursuit manwith with aa feeling feelins of-.enjoyment pleasure.If man andpleasure. of enjoyment and having manenjoys enjoyshavin! deliciousmeals mealsfor for ]ris body,he delicious his body, he would w.ouldalso alsoenjoy enjo! moredelicious deliciousmeals meals(of knowledge) more knowledge)for for his his mind mlni andsoul. soul. and "Teli me 15. "Tell me who who your your friends 15. friendsand andcompanions companions are, are, then then I can can tell tell you you who who you you are." are."

To To draw draw the the above above saying saying closer closer to our our subject subject matter, we may say: matter, may say: "Keep a happy happy ntan man company, company, and and you you will "Keep . become become happy." happy."

It It seems seems like like contagious contagious happiness happiness that infects infects that -influences the of man man and and influences other other the environmenf environment of This is true because happy man man is is an an optimistic optimistic This is true because aa happy and and confident confident person person who who enjoys enjoys peace peace ancl and assurance assurance,, and and tries tries to to transmit transmit his his optimism optimism and and cheerfulness wherever cheerfulness wherever he he goes, goes, thereby thereby

100 100 happiness. and happiness' t and delight ssion of deligh impression ing an an impre spread spreading you friends you righteous friends you have have righteous ver, when when you Moreo Moreover, e becom and become them and ies from from them qualities e good goodqualit will acquir acquire know , is you know eousness, you ous . Right Righteousness, y righte righGous equall equally and ness and happi of happiness abode the abode Enity Visa for the an un Entry y. s bount bounty.

Allah' Allah's decisive are decisive ence are confidence self- confid and self16.

Strong will and 16. Strong These happi ness. These ment of happiness' the attain attainment s for the factor factors the the of life the the direct p and and direct develop s could could develo factor factors are They are hapiness. They s and and hapiness' d succes success dual towar toward indivi individual hardsh ips of life ome the the hardships to overc overcome tial to essential also also essen way man's way ct man's obstruct that obstru odds that tand all odds withstand and and withs life,. goalsin life' his goals ement of his achievement ds the the achiev towar towards on be on shouldbe you should life, you sociallife, happysocial form aa hapvy To form 17.To 17. friends family,, friends your family te terms with your intimate-terms and intima goodand good house house happy happy ng of ta building The buildi gues. The colleagues. and Ind collea spous e, your spouse, of your e of choice right choic the right ott the ds on depends depen and and nship relationship relatio good good and te and intimite enance of intima *uint"nunce maint bringing up ways of bringing best ways the bes with the arity with familiarity famili carefully ed carefully selected be select shouldbe s should Friends en. Friend children. the childr the you you gues, colleagues, collea your As for your . As earlier. oned earlier mentioned as menti as and ion and affection nce, affect tolerance, them with tolera treat them d treat should shoul t. respect. l respec mutual mutua has and has ousness and righteousness act of righte "Whoever any act works any ever works "Who

101 101 faith faith -- his his endea vour will not endeavour not be be rejecte rejected d and andWe We shall shallrecord recordit in in his his favou r." (Qur'a favour." (eur'an, n, 21 :94).

21:94).

CONC CONCLUSION LUSI ON A timely timely remin reminder der to to every everyone one appea red in aa appeared recent issue recent issue of the the Reade Reader'i r's Diges Digest t -_ sorrow fulsorrowful wordsas words asthose thoseof aa certai certain n top top memb membe. er of the U.S. the U.S. Republican Repub lican Natio National nal Comm Commiitee. ittee. He He is is now now dead, dead, and and in in his his prime prime, , he he was was blesse blessed d with with mater materiai ial wealth, wealth power , powe r and and presti prestige ge but but not not with spiritu spiritual al wealth. wealth . Unfor Unfortunately, tunate ly, our our messa message ge is is late late for ior him him but for but for the the many many still srill alive aliie who who may mav be be undergoing under going simila similar r condi conditions, tions, the the words words of the the honourable honou rable gentle gentleman man of the the U.S. U.S.would wouldundou undoubt_ btedly be an edly an eye eye opener (warning) opene r (warn ing) for those thosewho who .be arestill are still in in aa quand quandary ary.. Those Thoselast lasi and and sorrow sorrowful ful words reveal words reveal his his true true inner inner feelin feelings, gs, that that despite despit his mater e his material ial succe success, ss, i.e., i.e., power power, , wealth wealth and presti prestige, and thereseems ge, there seemsto to be be absolu absolute te EMPT EMPTI_ INESS NESS in in his his whole whole being being which which could could only only be be experienced exper ienced throug through the know h the knowlege lege of spiritual spiritual reality. reality his quest questfor mater . In his material ial things, things, he he forgot forgot t: devel dev.elop to his_spiritual op his spiritual nouris nourishm"nt. hment . He He foigot forgot that all all that worldly world things ly things are but are but ephemeral ephem eral ind and . transitory transi tory in nature nature and ancl what what matters matters is is our our inner wealth inner wealth which which is is more more meaningful, meaningful, abiding abiding

102 r02 elow full of herebelow are hereb words are last words . His His last and lasting. and lasting ainty. tion and uncertaintY. anduncert frustra frustration can you can most.But you than most. ed more more than acquired " I know know I acquir What .

Whlt empty feel empty' and still feel want and you want e all you acquir acquire time with more time for aa little more trade I n't trade would power po*"t wouldn't an pay I pay for an n't would wouldn't price ? What What price family? my my family illness to deadly illness took aa deadly s? It took friends? ng with friend eveni evening truth is a truth but it is truth, but that truth, eye with that to eye put me eye eye to put ^ttr.me was was ...

I dime. dime"" my on my leam on ry can can learn country the count your time is your-time have is you have us man. man. All you religious neveraa religio never the with the onted Confr Confronted say. to say. used to eaft[, I used this earth, on on this not did luated. I did re-evaluated' end,I re-eva own end, ect of my own prospect prosp e anyone me anyon welco welcome I ed. believ I believed. what know what buen know even !" .... faith.-'.!" his faith abouthis me about tell me who could couldtell who was but it was ing but reveal revealing very very were were words words last last His His ness empti emptiness of ll ......fu failure......full l failure dismal letely aa disma completely comp fulfilment. It al fulfilment' spiritual hope of spiritu traceof hope ut aa trace without witho all hope -- ull trace of hope ut aa trace without , witho indeed, tragic indeed was tragic was wealth wealth ial material for mater solely for spentsolely were spent his times timeswere his hment. nourishment' al nouris spiritual spiritu iota of iota an not an not g leaving andleavin and ity humanity human of se recourse recour only the only M - the ISLAM Try ISLA Try "real"happi ness. hapPiness. for aa "real" for

******* ***{<{<*r<

Welcometo to your own Welcome own religion! religion!

TheProphet ProphetMuhammad (peacEbe Muhammad(peace The be niq)giA: upon him) said: l;,ponclhilllldl "JEvery enundis ls lborn horn m ln a s~~e "Every s&ate 'lls[arn',

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REMINDER: THOSEWHO REMINDER: ALL THOSE WHOEMBRACE EMBRACE '' ISLAM ISLAM ACTUALLY ACTUALLY" REVERT REVERT"" TO TO THEIR THEIR ORTGTNAL ORIGINAL RELTGTON RELIGION ( rSLAM ISLAM ). ).

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