Dont Worry B Happy!

Don’t Worry, Be happy.’ Why is it that this common social refrain is apparently not relevant for today’s clergy and pious practitioners of Islam? After all, Islam is a faith that offers spiritual fulfillment and worldly happiness. And happiness, we are repeatedly told, is like a ray of sunlight that warms and keeps us glowing - with a captivating charming smile adding that perfect compliment.

A radiant smile is a reflection of intrinsic happiness, and it projects the calm acceptance that one’s status in life is essentially the outcome of one’s best efforts. A smile in itself is an act of charity, and a person with a cheerful countenance is more likely to be perceived as being pleasant, attractive, sincere and sociable. Being happy is a God-given right and nobody can deny us this vital benevolence. This is the underlying objective of all religions, and a peaceful balanced society comprised of happy people, living freely by the morality and spiritual framework that their faith prescribes, is ultimately what everyone yearns for.

By frequently emphasizing happiness as a legitimate and achievable objective, Islamic thought accepts that spirituality, rationale and the material are collectively essential elements for achieving a blissful existence, provided it is lived decently.

Quite disconcertingly, however, our religious teachers and men of piety often depict a depressing demeanour. Their glum and grim aura is certainly not congruent with the deep contentment that they presumably accrue from their faith and beliefs. One expects that they understand Islam better than most and sincerely appreciate the joys of being good people, at whose disposal the Almighty’s worldly blessings have been placed for honest and guiltless use. As spiritually uplifted and gratified wise men, they should really be drawing enormous pleasure from proudly spreading their message of peace and service to humanity. There is no reason for gloom to pervade their interaction with others, particularly those who look up to them for inspiration and guidance. Perhaps they are satisfied people, but sadly that is not the impression they give. Would we not be more reassured if we were to see an enthusiastic pep in their steps, and pukka smiles illuminating their kind faces?

The search for happiness is a philosophical and biological reality that cannot be suppressed. It is true that people can find happiness through various means, but our religion encompasses the wherewithal for individuals to discover self fulfillment, and for that ethos to extend throughout the community. Smiling is not a sin; and we have neither been denied enjoyable entertainment, nor the pleasure of possessing nice things. A heavenly life on earth is as much a right as that which we seek in the hereafter, and we can blamelessly embrace every opportunity for rejoicing, provided it is derived respectably. Our Prophet (pbuh) too enjoyed laughing and joking with his companions. He never proclaimed having fun as being indecent and avoidable.

The Holy Quran tells us that attractive things of the world are not forbidden. Beautiful apparel and good food are not necessarily the symbols of decadent lifestyles. There is, as such, no justification for imposing restrictions on the basis of someone’s personal interpretation of what is right or wrong. We strive for a life free of anxiety, without the pressure to adopt mores and norms that can lead to misery for the majority.

The clergy obviously have the power to influence our gullible youth and societies in general. Perhaps they would be more effective through friendly accessibility and openness, and by avoiding fiery rhetoric. In fact, this paradigm change in behaviour, when supplemented with a rational message, can eventually help create contented Muslim communities in which intellectual debate and basic freedoms prevail.

Self-improvement gurus emphasise the positive impacts of genuine smiling and the beneficial endorphins that are released; and psychologists expound on how personal contentment promotes inner health and longetivity. Common sense, however, tells us that happiness is not necessarily achieved by good luck, material indulgence, or financial and social power. An apt definition surmises that it is the feeling of fulfillment created when one’s physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs have been satisfied. Righteousness too is an effective elixir; and strong faith definitely lifts the spirit.

Rest assured that a warm and glowing smile will always be appreciated. By thinking positively, being helpful, doing what one loves, and enjoying life’s permitted pleasures can all contribute to happiness; and, more importantly, to a friendly demeanour.

So its back to not worrying, and being happy. Keep smiling and have a Happy Ramadan!

JazakAllah

Nice message. So eloquently said.

Thanks for sharing Zara

AHH ..Zaara Well said..Very good.Jazakallah KHAir

JazakAllah
Really nice post sis
Thanks for sharing

JazakAllah

Bohat achi post hai

Nice post thanx 4 sharing.

Nice Post

Awesome Work

Well Shairing