8 STEPS TO HAPPINESS BY SHAYKH ABU ABDUR-RAHMAN NASIR AL-SADI (1307-D1376H)
Everyone chases after happiness, yet few fully recognize what it is or when it comes from. Happiness isn’t a destination but a journey needing certain inner qualities and a right state of mind to experience and reap. It’s neither sold as a commodity nor can be bought, except through carefully crafting one’s character and following a plan of action.
For indeed, those who don’t plan will fail to realize desired results. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Those among us (destined to be) from people of happiness [in the Hereafter] will (find it easy to) enact deeds of people of happiness...” [Sahih Al-Bukhari, #4948].
Shaykh Nasir Al-Sa’di mentions in this short summary, eight ways to achieving the goal of bringing about happiness, while driving away its opposites - sadness, grief and anxiety. Reaching it is contingent on three main causes he identifies to leading a goodly life.
These succinct pointers are easy to understand and you’ll be able to identify the impediments you need to rework and hence live your life with happiness. This will transform you into being the best Muslim you can in today’s complex world, and will also inspire you to train your inner self.
Whoever follows these eight steps will find self awareness and a pathway to joy and success in this life and the next, Insha’Allah.