8 Steps to Happiness
Imam (Abdu’l-Rahman Ibn Nasir al-Sadl [d. 1376H]
AUTHOR’S INTRODUCTION
In the Name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful Praise be to Allah and for Him are all praises. There is no deity worthy of worship but Him alone without any partners. Peace and blessings be upon His final Messenger Muhammad and upon his Family, Companions and all those who follow his guidance from the believers until the Last Day.
There is no doubt or illusion that happiness is sought by every person from every walk of life. Yet, how it is sought remains the key for many of us to understand in pursuit of it. Some find joy in accumulating wealth, hoping this will fill the void of being content. For others, it is indulging in faulty entertainment, vices and promiscuity and anything that might distract attention away from reality, even if it is considered unlawful or immoral. Others drown in botdes of alcohol or in the sounds of the decadent music industry; each witnessing and seeking something that will lure them out of states of grief and anxiety etc.
How then is delight and contentment achieved? Indeed, Allah, the Most High is the Creator of this world and has not left mankind without the means to achieve the guidance and pathway to what the innate desire of man wants and needs. For example, Allah, the Most High, said of the Qur’an: & “This [Qur’an] is a clear statement to [all] the people and a guidance and instruction for those conscious of Allah.”
To proceed: states of contentment, tranquility and having a peace of mind and happiness—and doing away with anxiety and depression—are goals we actively seek. Attaining them will translate to our happiness and lead to a goodly life. Reaching them however, is contingent on three main causes:—namely, religious, natural and practical—none of which are possible to secure except by one who has believed and submitted themselves to Will of the Creator.
Aside from believers, others may assume reasons in attaining the causes of happiness from one aspect, yet, another cause will escape them from the other side that is stronger, more qualified and useful.
I will mention in this treatise of mine the ways and means to achieve this lofty goal that is universally quested. Among the causes for happiness are those that have been weighed wisely and well-trodden. Among the causes for misery are those that have also been notable and recognized; and then there are those practices mixed with both, causes of happiness and misery as per whatever Allah has accorded. And indeed, Allah is the One who grants opportunities and means, assists with goodness and prevents from evil.