Seeking happiness is universal, yet its interpretation and pursuit vary widely. For some, happiness resides in material wealth; for others, it thrives in fame and recognition. Sensual pleasures also entice some, while others find contentment in achieving mastery in their fields.
Amid today's abundance, a prevailing sense of emptiness persists. Despite amassing possessions and validation, an insatiable void lingers, defying appeasement. The elusive satisfaction we anticipate never truly arrives.
This void, the persistent feeling of emptiness, stems from neglecting our inherent instinct to acknowledge and revere our Creator. This instinct holds the key to happiness, a sentiment reiterated by Allah, "But whoever turns away from My Reminder will certainly have a miserable life, then We will raise them up blind on the Day of Judgment" (20:124).
Acknowledging Allah (subḥānahū wa taʿālā) and, consequently, upholding our responsibilities to Him, serves as an antidote to modern-day despair and hollowness.
Indeed, a certain loneliness resides in our hearts, only alleviated by solitary moments spent with Allah. Within us, there's a sadness dispelled only by the joy of knowing Him and staying loyal. And there's a void filled only by loving Him, continuously seeking His presence, remembering Him, and being sincere. As Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullāh) remarked, "Were a person to be given the entire world and everything in it, it would never fill this void."
Allah's Promise for a Good Life
In the Qur’ān, Allah (subḥānahū wa taʿālā) states:
مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُۥ حَيَوٰةً طَيِّبَةً وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُم بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ
"Whoever does good, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will surely bless them with a good life, and We will certainly reward them according to the best of their deeds" (16:97).
This verse underscores that a good life is attainable through two pillars: (1) steadfast belief in Allah (īmān) and (2) virtuous deeds (ʿamal ṣāliḥ).
The Essence of the 'Good Life'
But what truly constitutes the 'good life'? It's often referred to as the 'paradise of this world'. This existence entails believers finding profound contentment, happiness, and inner euphoria through their worship, intimacy, and dialogue with their Creator.
Abū Bakr al-Warrāq (raḥimahullāh) defined the 'good life' as "the sweetness of obedience."
Tasting the 'sweetness of obedience' or the 'sweetness of īmān' (as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mentioned) is akin to savoring the delightful flavors of scrumptious meals. Similarly, īmān and worship exude a unique sweetness that the heart can 'taste'. This 'good life' thrives within the heart; it's authentic living.
In this world, faith and righteous acts yield a good life. The hereafter, however, holds even more, as the verse indicates: "We will certainly reward them according to the best of their deeds." Imām al-Ghazālī (raḥimahullāh) mused, "If the only reward for obeying Allah was the sweetness of obedience and the solace in private communion with Him, it would suffice. So, what about the additional joy in the afterlife?"
Unraveling the Source of Spiritual Satisfaction
Our worship often feels barren, lacking in sweetness and joy. The absence of inner fulfillment stems from overemphasizing the physical actions while neglecting the heart's core involvement. Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullāh) observed, "A person may fast, pray, remember Allah, and recite the Qur’ān extensively, yet none of these actions touch their heart—no fear, no hope, no love, no conviction, and no happiness in Allah."
To truly embrace a good life, external acts of devotion must blend with the internal states of the heart—termed 'actions of the heart'. These include firm belief (īmān), comprehension of Allah (maʿrifah), sincerity (ikhlāṣ), piety (taqwā), repentance (tawbah), reliance on Allah (tawakkul), hope (rajā’), fear (khawf), gratitude (shukr), patience (ṣabr), love (ḥubb), yearning (shawq), and certainty (yaqīn).
Just as our bodies need sustenance to flourish, our hearts and souls require spiritual nourishment to thrive.
This journey necessitates cleansing our hearts of afflictions (pride, envy, greed, heedlessness, hypocrisy). Illness clouds our ability to savor the flavor of food. Likewise, a diseased heart, tainted by sin, cannot taste the 'sweetness of īmān' or rejoice in worshipping Allah.
Ibn Taymiyyah (raḥimahullāh) asserted, "If you don't find delight and joy in your deeds, doubt their sincerity. Allah is Most Appreciative and Rewarding." Allah rewards His servants' deeds by gifting them inner tranquility and sweetness. Devoid of these, the deed is imperfect.
Dispelling Misconceptions: The True 'Good Life'
The 'good life' is often misconstrued as an existence devoid of challenges—a life of luxury. Conversely, those experiencing the 'good life' may face grave hardships. Yet, they possess tranquil hearts, content with Allah's decree. They might lack wealth, but they abound in faith and love for Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exemplified this, owning little, sleeping on a modest mat, yet leading a fulfilling life.
Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullāh) clarifies that the 'good life' isn't about opulence in clothing, food, or spouses. Allah may lavish these on those distant from Him. Rather, it's the life of a believer fixated on one goal: pleasing their Beloved. Such a believer is undivided in purpose, driven by the desire for Allah's love and closeness.
In speech and silence, movement and stillness, they act for Allah. Their life is Allah's, a constant devotion.
A Life Intertwined with Allah
Living
with Allah commences with sincere repentance (tawbah), relishing reconnection with the Creator. It's a life where the joy of prayer is unmatched, as the Prophet ﷺ affirmed, "My greatest joy is in prayer." Solitary moments are cherished, whispering heartfelt conversations with Allah at night's serenity.
This life embraces fasting's hunger and renunciation of desires for the Beloved. The Qur’ān becomes a constant companion, offering solace and intimacy, reminiscent of the lover's bond with their beloved. It entails selfless service to family, neighbors, and creation. Ego is subdued, replaced by emulation of Prophet Muhammad's sublime character.
Charity and assistance become more rewarding than receiving. Life's ultimate purpose is to please the Beloved, Allah.
In this life, Allah's love eclipses all else. Worship becomes a privilege, and meeting Allah in Paradise becomes the ultimate yearning.
As Dhū al-Nūn (raḥimahullāh) articulated, "By Allah, His remembrance sweetens the world; His forgiveness sweetens the Hereafter; Paradise is sweetened by the sight of His Noble Countenance."
Attaining the Good Life
1. Knowledge: A continuous quest to understand Allah through His Names, His Word, His creation, and worship. Learning about the beloved Prophet ﷺ, who exemplified the 'good life', and grasping the 'actions' and 'ailments' of the heart.
2. Conquering the self: Initial stages might be challenging, but persistence leads to attachment to Allah. Enduring difficulty in the journey brings eventual joy in worship.
3. Fulfilling obligations: Combining obligatory and voluntary acts of devotion, as Allah says, "My servant draws near to Me with voluntary acts until I love him."
4. Solitude with Allah: Isolation moments for Qur’ān reflection (tadabbur), mindful dhikr (tafakkur), heartfelt duʿā’, and focused ṣalāh (khushūʿ) reinforce the bond and love for Allah.
5. Abstaining from sin: A crucial step, as indulging in sin prevents relishing the 'sweetness of īmān' or joy in worship.
This good life is a life dedicated to lofty aspirations, true love, and genuine intentions, as Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullāh) eloquently summarized.
The Eternal Good Life
The worldly 'good life' is a fleeting glimpse of eternal bliss in the afterlife. A saint aptly stated, "Sometimes I wonder: if the people of Paradise experience anything similar, how wondrous must their lives be!"
This 'good life' in the world is a precursor to the hereafter's boundless joy. Allah grants us a glimpse of Paradise, inviting us to seek it ardently.
May we experience the sweetness of Allah's worship, live in alignment with Him, and ultimately be greeted by angels on Judgment Day, ushering us into Paradise—a life forever brimming with contentment and pleasure.
