Landmarks on the way to a happy life
To build a happy life, you have to first lay a solid foundation for it, otherwise, it will subside. Therefore, we should seek such a solid, unshakeable foundation on which we could build our wholesome life. There must be also a scheme by which the course of our life is to be guided and controlled.
Man processes impulses, drives, feelings, desires and whims that may influence his character and way of life. He is endowed with the ability to think, reason and perceive so that he could be able to control his will and emotions and direct himself into the course of action he believes to be suitable. However, man’s mind and emotions may lapse and lead him away from the right path. He may stray unknowingly from the way to chaos and misery, thereby bringing suffering and destruction upon himself and upon others.
Hence, there’s a necessity for man to achieve a profound understanding of the Divine Guidance, which leads his way to the plain truth about his existence in this world, his relation to the universe how he has come into existence, the Divine Will that controls him and directs his life, and the correct course and way that leads him to salvation and real happiness.
Islam is the last and only universal religion and system or code of life revealed to mankind through the last Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him) and the only faith with the Divine Revelation still kept intact in its original form, unlike the earlier revelations that were already lost, adulterated, interpolated, changed and corrupted. Thus, the Islamic faith proves to be the only correct foundation for man’s character and behavior and a mode of life necessary for building a sound and progressive society characterized by justice and peace that is in harmony with Allah’s will.
If we think of the backwardness of Muslim societies, we will find that the reason for such condition is mainly due to the deviation from this divine way of life. The calamities are by no means merely due to lack of scientific knowledge but rather to their deviation from Islam. In fact, when Europe was going through the so – called Dark Ages, the Islamic Nation, covering half of the world, was enjoying the most splendid and glorious civilization the world had ever known.
So the Islamic belief, when put into practice, leads man to the right direction and channels all his energies and efforts into a constructive scheme of life. To begin with, faith is complementary to reason. Therefore, reason is not the antithesis of faith as in the case in some other human beliefs and religions. Islamic faith helps to develop the human mind and does not impose any kind of illogical concept or undue restrictions on it. It leads man in the way of truth since he is guided by words and commandments of his Creator, who knows what is best for him.
A basic Islamic principle of faith is related to harmony in this universe. Many scientists and thinkers believe that there is a conflict between man and nature and that man is a struggling to overcome the powers of nature. Islam corrects this short-sighted notion. It states that everything in this world has been created to serve man, and man has been created to serve Allah. Therefore, the relationship between man and the universe is one of harmony and friendliness. This fact imbues man with peace of mind, satisfaction and happiness. It also frees his mind from worries, fears and feeling of hostility. His life would become inspired with love, hope, optimism, contentment and happiness that would enable him to face hardships with confidence and right discretion.
Belief in Allah and in His perfect attributes would deeply influence the Muslim’s character and his whole outlook on life. It brings him to acquire good qualities and aim for human perfection. This will undoubtedly achieve, for both the individual and the society, a life of ideal values and collective happiness.
Belief in the angels of Allah makes man feel that he is not alone in this universe and that it abounds with righteous friendly creatures. This would make life pleasant for him and enable him to achieve success and happiness.
