The Happy Life

By: Zaynab Eskandari

As inferred from the Holy Qur’an, happy, or the life of purity and true happiness can be attained by both men and women equally. In chapter al-Nahl, verse 97 of the Holy Qur’an we read: “We shall let anyone who acts honorably, whether it is a man or a woman, provided he is a believer, live a happy life and reward them with their earnings for the finest deeds they have been doing.”   Thus, the one who is a believer (Mu’min), whether a man or a woman and who acts honourably will receive the reviving Divine guidance needed in this world’s life and will also be rewarded most generously by Allah. According to this Qur’anic teaching, the only criteria in this regard are faith and good deeds and there are no conditions, whether related to gender, age, social status and the like for attaining such a desirable life. No doubt, true faith and belief in God and in His teachings and commands make a person; whether male or female, act in such a way as to help create peace, tranquility, security and welfare for the others, thus making the human society blessed with humane values, including love, sympathy and cooperation for the happiness of all. Certainly, such conduct results in wiping out or at least reducing the negative factors in the society, including arrogance, oppression, and waywardness, which factors are behind many evils and human sufferings. And as inferred from the Qur’anic words, men and women, though different in physical abilities, are equal before Allah and the only criterion regarding each one’s degree of closeness to Allah is their faith and piety. The above verse also reveals the fact that contrary to what the enemies of Islam and/or some ignorant persons claim, Islam is not for men and against women, rather Islam is as much for women as it is for men.

Concerning the interpretations presented by commentators about ‘Hayat Tayyibah’ mentioned in this verse of the Holy Qur’an, it should be said that some have regarded that as meaning ‘felicitous life’ gained through Halal ways - earning ones living through religiously legitimate ways and avoiding illegal sex and all other forbidden acts, while some others believe it means being contented and satisfied with what Allah has given one.  Still there are other commentators who hold that  ‘Hayat Tayyibah’  refers to worship combined with earning ones means of living through Halal  ways and some others believe that it means obedience to Allah.  

Obviously,  ‘Hayat Tayyibah’  can mean all of these and certain others which denote purity, piety, avoidance of all evils and doing all good which attract Allah’s pleasure.  Thus, we conclude that happiness in life does not mean living in plenty and luxury, as some imagine, rather a true happy life is a life of obedience to our loving Creator, and of being heedful of one’s duties towards ourselves and towards the others. Unfortunately, due to the prevalence of the irreligiousness and individualism advocated by the seculars in some societies, the concept of happiness is misunderstood in particular by the youth and that is why there is so much depression and the related ailments in today's human societies. Under such conditions, the knowledgeable are duty-bound to spread Divine teachings and thus revive the deprived souls. We should always remember that the Holy Qur’an contains the healing for all ailments, as our Prophet (PBUH) has said.