Happiness in Islam : Happiness & Science 2    
      
      
      
   Description: Islam agrees with scientific methods of attaining happiness.   
      
      
   Part 1 of Happiness in Islam discussed the evolution of happiness in western   
   thought and its effect on western culture.  In part 2 we will re-examine the   
   definitions of happiness and talk about the relationship between science and   
   happiness and how this    
   in turn relates to the teachings of Islam.     
      
   The Merriam Webster online dictionary defines happiness 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 in no particular order, are seven "scientifically" proven ways to   
   increase happiness.   
      
   1.     Avoid comparisons.   
      
   According to Stanford psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky[1], focusing on our own   
   personal achievement instead of comparing ourselves to others, leads to   
   greater satisfaction.  God says in the Quran,    
      
   "Do not strain your eyes in longing for the things that we have given to some   
   groups of them to enjoy, the splendour of the life of this world through which   
   we test them.  The provision of your Lord is better and more lasting." (Quran   
   20:131)   
      
   2.     Smile, even when you don't feel like it.   
      
   "Happy people...see possibilities, opportunities, and success.  When they   
   think of the future, they are optimistic, and when they review the past, they   
   tend to savour the high points," say Diener and Biswas-Diener.[2]   
      
   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."[3]  and "To smile in the face of your brother is   
   charity given on your behalf.   
   "[4]   
      
   One of Prophet Muhammad's companions said, "Since the day I accepted Islam,   
   the Messenger of God would never meet me without a smiling face."[5]The late   
   Islamic scholar Sheikh Ibn Baaz, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "A smiling   
   face indicates a good    
   quality and causes blessed results - it indicates that one's heart is free of   
   rancour and it causes affection to grow between people".   
      
   3.     Get out and exercise.   
      
   A Duke University study shows that exercise may be just as effective as drugs   
   in treating depression.  Prophet Muhammad said: "A strong believer is better   
   and more beloved in the sight of God than a weak believer."[6]  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.   
      
   Happier people tend to have good families, friends, and supportive   
   relationships, say Diener and Biswas-Diener.[7]  "We don't just need   
   relationships, we need close ones" that involve understanding and caring.    
   Allah, the Exalted, says:     
      
   "Worship God and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents,   
   kinsfolk, orphans, the poor, the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour   
   who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet).   
   Verily, God does not like those    
   who are proud and boastful." (Quran 4:36)   
      
   Prophet Muhammad said, "Among the things that bring happiness to a believer in   
   this life are a righteous neighbour, a spacious house and a good steed."[8]    
   Islam places great emphasis on the solidarity of families, neighbourhoods and   
   the wider community.   
      
   5.     Say thank you like you mean it.   
      
   People who keep gratitude journals on a weekly basis are healthier, more   
   optimistic, and more likely to make progress toward achieving personal goals,   
   according to author Robert Emmons[9].   
      
   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 Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me." (Quran 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.' (Quran 14:7)   
      
   6.     Give it away, give it away now!   
      
   Make altruism, and giving in charity, part of your life, and be resolute about   
   it.  Researcher Stephen Post says helping a neighbour, volunteering, or   
   donating goods and services results in a "helper's high," and you get more   
   health benefits than you    
   would from exercise or quitting smoking.   
      
   Islam encourages people to be generous towards family, friends, neighbours,   
   strangers and even enemies.  This is mentioned repeatedly throughout the Quran   
   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." (Quran 34:39)   
      
   The people came to the Prophet Muhammad, and asked, "If someone has nothing to   
   give, what will he do?"  He said, "He should work with his hands and benefit   
   himself and also give in charity (from what he earns)."  The people further   
   asked, "If he cannot    
   find even that?"  He replied, "He should help the needy who appeal for help."    
   Then the people asked, "If he cannot do that?"  He replied, "Then he should   
   perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds and this will be regarded as   
   a charitable deed."[   
   10]   
      
   7.     Put money low on your list of priorities.   
      
      
   [continued in next message]   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)