Happiness

Happiness is an elusive term. People say they know happiness as an emotion, a state of mind and as something to aim for, but when it comes to defining happiness, they are often uncertain how to articulate their feelings.

Merriam-Webster’s on line dictionary defines happiness as a state of well-being and contentment; a pleasurable or satisfying experience.

There is not a sane person in the world that would not want happiness. But most people look for happiness in the wrong places, and in the wrong things, such as the materials of this world.

I heard the expression “Happiness is a Choice” recently on a television show and realized later that there have been a couple of books written on the subject.  One book with the same title is authored by Barry Kaufmann. This book delivers a wonderful message—regardless of the circumstances in our lives, we can find happiness. The author shows us how we can untangle all of our negative beliefs and allow a positive attitude to guide us to a happier, more fulfilling life.  The quote below from the book summarizes the author’s general view:

We can choose happiness as easily as we choose unhappiness. Yet most of us go around being unhappy about everything that is happening around us. It is so amazing to realize that when we are unhappy we have CHOSEN to be that way.

Happiness: A Quranic Perspective

Happiness is Submission to God Alone is a phrase printed on all of the Submitters Perspectives newsletters. It is also posted on the web sites of the submitters as a common theme or slogan. It is not just a hollow statement but it is God’s promise for the believers. Furthermore, it’s true for all ages and for all generations.

Absolutely, God's allies have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. They are those who believe and lead a righteous life. For them, joy and happiness in this world, as well as in the Hereafter. This is God's unchangeable law. Such is the greatest triumph. — 10:62-64

As for those who discard the worship of all idols, and devote themselves totally to God alone, they have deserved happiness. Give good news to My servants. — 39:17

How can we achieve happiness through submission to God? Our priority in this life should be to fulfill God’s expectations of us. In order to know what God expects of us, we have to know our purpose here in this world.

I did not create the jinns and the humans except to worship Me alone. — 51:56

Knowing that God made us to worship Him alone, we have to live a life that will please God. That is the choice we make. So, when the experts say "happiness is a choice," they are correct. But we have to make the right choice to be happy in this life as well as in the Hereafter. We have to choose to be with God and live by His laws.

The idea that keeping God’s laws is the source of happiness is not new. We can see this idea in the Bible, book of Proverbs:

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