The Path to True Happiness

5 Essential Lessons from '8 Steps to Happiness' by Sheikh As-Sa'di"

Last month at the bookclub, we read a book on happiness, written by Sheikh Abd-ur-Rahmān Ibn Nāsir as-Sa’dī (رحمه الله). In the introduction of the book; 8 steps to happiness, he writes:

There is no doubt or illusion that happinesss is sought by every person from every walk of life. Yet, how it is sought remians 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 bottles 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.

How then is delight and contenment achieved?

[8 Steps to happiness, Dar as-Sunnah Publishers, page 15]

And then he proceeds to recommend 8 steps, adorned with evidences from the Qur’ān and Sunnah, through which the Muslim reader can ride the tumultous waves of life’s trials to reach happiness, delight and contentment.

This was our read at the book club for the month of Dhul Qa’da [June] this year and we definitely learnt more than 8 lessons on happiness.

5 lessons on happiness from Sheikh as-Sa’di (رحمه الله)

Lesson 1:

Rectify your īmān (belief) and commit to doing good deeds, for the greatest and primary means for happiness and achieving a good life is having īmān and ‘aml as-sālih (good deeds).

Allāh says,

Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer, verily to him will We give a life that is good and pure, and We will surely bestow on them their reward [in the hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.

[Surah an-Nahl, ayah 97]

Lesson 2:

Avoid idleness and occupy yourself with useful activity (the Author suggests seeking beneficial ‘ilm, knowledge) because this is a means of warding off worry and anxiety, and if done with the right intentions, it becomes a good deed - which amplifies its effect and - for which you can hope for reward from Allāh.

Lesson 3:

Be proactive in seeking the things that bring you benefit, then acknowlegde the Qadr (decree) of Allāh and find contentment in it regarding the things and outcomes that are beyond your control.

The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said,

Strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allāh, and do not feel helpless. If anything befalls you, do not say, "if only I had done such and such" rather say "Qaddara Allāhu wa ma shā'a fa'ala (Allāh has decreed and whatever He wills, He does)." For (saying) 'if' opens (the door) to the deeds of Shaytān.'"

[Sunan Ibn Mājah]

Lesson 4:

Increase in and be commited to Dhikr (remembrance of Allāh) for it has a profound effect on the heart; causing its burden to be lightened and tranquility to be reached.

Allāh says,

Without doubt, in the remembrance of Allāh do hearts find tranquility.

[Surah ar-Ra’ad, ayah 28]

Lesson 5:

Identify your triggers, and causes of worry, anxiety or grief and try your best to avoid them in thought or otherwise. Avoid dwelling on them and focus on what you can cultivate in the present to lighten your situation, improve future outcomes and resign your affairs to Allāh.

Which lesson are you glad to have read?

Fatimah,

MAKTABAH