True happiness and inner peace

Real happiness and peace can be found in submitting to the commands of the Creator and the Sustainer of this world. God has said in the Qur’an: “Truly, in remembering God do hearts find rest.” (Qur’an 13:28)
On the other hand, the one who turns away from the Qur’an will have a life of hardship in this world. God has said: “But whoever turns away from the Qur’an, he will have a hard life, and We will raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment.” (Qur’an 20:124)
This may explain why some people commit suicide while they enjoy the material comfort money can buy. For example, look at Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam), formerly a famous pop singer who used to earn sometimes more than $150,000 a night. After he converted to Islam, he found true happiness and peace, which he had not found in material success.
Happiness is defined as a state of well-being or contentment, a pleasurable or satisfying experience. Philosophers often define happiness in terms of living a good life. Happiness has also been defined as a state of well-being, characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.
In the past few years psychologists and researchers have been studying people all over the world to find out what exactly makes us happy. Is it money, attitude, culture, memory, health or altruism? New findings suggest that actions have a positive effect on happiness. “Yes! Magazine” has come up with a list of scientifically proven strategies for becoming happy.
Not surprisingly they neatly correspond to the way God and His messenger Muhammad (may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him) have taught us to behave, which is an indication of the perfection of Islam.
Here are seven ways to increase happiness.

1. Avoid comparisons.
“Do not strain your eyes in longing for the things that we have given to some groups of them to enjoy, the splendor of the life of this world through which we test them. The provision of your Lord is better and more lasting.” (Qur’an 20:131)

2. Smile, even when you don’t feel like it.
Prophet Muhammad (may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him) said, “Do not think little of any good deed, even if it is just greeting your brother with a cheerful smile.” And “To smile in the face of your brother is charity given on your behalf.”

3. Get out and exercise.
Prophet Muhammad said: “A strong believer is better and more beloved in the sight of God than a weak believer.” He was not only talking in terms of faith and character, but also that optimum health and fitness were desirable traits in a believer.

4. Make friends and treasure family.
Allah, the Exalted, says: “Worship God and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the poor, the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet). Verily, God does not like those who are proud and boastful.” (Qur’an 4:36)
Prophet Muhammad said, “Among the things that bring happiness to a believer in this life are a righteous neighbor, a spacious house and a good steed.”

5. Say thank you like you mean it.
At the core of the teachings of Islam is the idea that to be happy or content we must be grateful to God, not just for what we perceive to be blessings but for all circumstances. Whatever condition we find ourselves in we are grateful and sure that it is good for us as long as we are following the teachings of God. God said: “Therefore, remember Me (God) and I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favors on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.” (Qur’an 2:152)
And (remember) when God proclaimed: ‘If you are grateful I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are ungrateful verily, My punishment is indeed severe.’ (Qur’an 14:7)
6. Give it away, give it away now!
Islam encourages people to be generous toward family, friends, neighbors, strangers and even enemies. This is mentioned repeatedly throughout the Qur’an and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad. “Say: “Truly, my Lord blesses the provision for whom He wills of His slaves, and also restricts it for him, and whatsoever you spend of anything (in God’s Cause), He will replace it. And He is the Best of providers.” (Qur’an 34:39)

7. Put money low on your list of priorities.
God’s messenger said, “Be happy, and hope for what will please you. By God, I am not afraid that you will be poor, but I fear that worldly wealth will be bestowed upon you as it was bestowed upon those who lived before you. So you will compete amongst yourselves for it, as they competed for it and it will destroy you as it did them.”

To be continued next week

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