My Conversion Story; from Roman Catholic - to Agnostic - to Islam Shia

Happiness is misunderstood,it is the feeling of contentment from practicing self-restraint. The right to say no, I won't give into my desires. Ultimately, it is the true definition of freedom. Imagine that, the ability to choose or make your own decisions being the definition of happiness and freedom.

And religion plays a part in practicing self restraint, sis

Most people dont realize, but from my observations, what they are trying to recreate in dunya is jannah, they want endless happiness, they want many women, lots of wealth, never to be hungry, never to be sick, never to be tired. Just one fun happy moment to the next.

They want a source of never ending happiness, something that never fails to amaze them, happiness and amazement unlimited. I believe that beyond the worldly things that brings us joy and beyond the jannah things that brings us joy, ultimately, whether we are aware or not aware of it, we seek Allah swt, the ultimate and endless and pure source of joy and love.

Some seek him without knowing it, some seek him thru different means and some seek him directly, making everything ells fade in value.

According to what I feel, more than happiness it's the tranquility of the heart that everyone seeks just that we sometimes fail to describe the actual need and claim it to be "happiness"... 

What is Happiness? It Is to rejoice or be satisfied over something, and its aftermath leaves you feeling 'empty'   and so it is temporary; for instance, it's your birthday today, everyone gives you suave gifts and you have an amazing party - you're happy! Over the moon, in fact... But what happens when the party is over, the people are gone and the gifts are used  up... Are you still as happy as you were on your birthday? No, that feeling of ecstasy diminishes and then so you look for other means to be "happy" and so long as you don't find it, you feel sore and empty from within like as if life has no meaning... 

In reality, the concept of happiness doesn't really exist. What exists is a sense of solace and tranquillity from deep within the heart, which is termed as  "sukoon" or "tatmainn-e qalb" and it is constant. 

How does one obtain that tranquility? That peace and sukoon from the heart comes about through nurturing it.. How? First and foremost, we need to have strong and unwavering Faith in Allah SWTT. Alongside, we must be content with all our stations and no matter what turmoil we're facing, we need to realise that it could be worse, but Allah SWTT will never test you beyond your capacity to withstand it (Ref. Surah Al Baqarah 2:287 "786 - Laa yukallefullahu nafsan illa wus'aha - Allah burdens not any soul beyond its capacity), so be thankful to Allah SWTT in all your states, and when something afflicts you, recite: Alhamdolellahi fee kulli Haal - I praise Allah SWTT in all my states or  Ennalillahi wa enna elayhi raaji'oon riddhan bi qadhaa-ehii wa tasleeman li amrih - Verily we are Allah’s and verily unto Him we return. We are satisfied with His will and carry out His command.  

Another way to attain this inner peace is by making others "happy" by giving charity, helping a friend, assisting someone with something, community service, donating to a trust fund, even listening to someone's problems and trying to help out or wiping off a tear from someone's cheek or giving someone a smile is considered charity, and you could also water the plants and feed birds and animals.. You will notice the joy or inner peace you find in your heart when that person or animal looks to at you and smiles a "thank you" - it's an inexpressible feeling.. 

To gain that inner peace, one must also recite the Qur'aan and remember Allah SWTT in excess. Allah SWTT says in Surah Ar Ra'ad 13:28  "786 - Al ladheena Aammanuu wa tatmainnu quloobuhom bi dhikrillahi alaa bi dhikrillahi tatmainnul quloob - Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah . Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured."

 This verse says it all... 

And once you obtain that contentment and inner peace, nothing will deter you, you'll always be smiling no matter what ... No matter what problems you face in life, that tranquility will always put you at ease and you'll feel that positive energy and faith in Allah SWTT and you'll automatically leave things in Allah's hands and you'll be at peace, EnshaAllah Ta'ala. 

Wabillahi Tawfeeq 

Request to all reading this: Please recite a Surah Al Fatihah and 3 Al-Ikhlaas for the maghferah of my dad, Renowned Zaker-e-Ahlolbayt, Marhoom Al-Hajj Ma'alim Liyakatali Gulamali Chandoo and All Marhoomeen. Thanks. 

23 hours ago, Gaius I. Caesar said:

Happiness is misunderstood,it is the feeling of contentment from practicing self-restraint. The right to say no, I won't give into my desires. Ultimately, it is the true definition of freedom. Imagine that, the ability to choose or make your own decisions being the definition of happiness and freedom.

And religion plays a part in practicing self restraint, sis

السلام عليكم Brother Long time! Hope you're well.

Not everyone interpret self restraint as happiness, some don't even understand why they should say no to something they Want. What I'm saying is this rule doesn't apply to everyone, it applies on the believers and not all of them also. For surely when doing it at first you will feel bitterness, but if you stay steadfast on it in a way that you'd really be happy with what God is giving you and convinced that this is all you need, then you'd achieve contentment and satisfaction.

9 hours ago, IbnSina said:

Most people dont realize, but from my observations, what they are trying to recreate in dunya is jannah, they want endless happiness, they want many women, lots of wealth, never to be hungry, never to be sick, never to be tired. Just one fun happy moment to the next.

They want a source of never ending happiness, something that never fails to amaze them, happiness and amazement unlimited. I believe that beyond the worldly things that brings us joy and beyond the jannah things that brings us joy, ultimately, whether we are aware or not aware of it, we seek Allah swt, the ultimate and endless and pure source of joy and love.

Some seek him without knowing it, some seek him thru different means and some seek him directly, making everything ells fade in value.

This is totally true! I loved your last statement. These people are simple minded, because if you always seek something to amaze you in this world then you won't get enough, they jump from one sin to another from one activity to another and when they are tired in the end they will surely feel miserable and empty.

On 7/9/2017 at 11:04 AM, Fatimiyyeh said:

 

To quell the turmoil we are born with, to end the cosmic war of the soul, that is true enlightenment, and thus Happiness.

You pointed out something very interesting, when we feel happy and this feeling is over, we experience emptiness afterwards. This emotional process made people get attached to the world more as each day is passing.

Happiness is a lifestyle, it's when God is pleased with you, this is what i always say, it's when God gives you satisfaction, self-security and contentment.

Reflecting on charity, forgiveness and compassion lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, it's very important to stay genuinely positive.

A recent neurological study showed that the areas stimulated by intense prayer and contemplative meditation are the same ones that help us distinguish between good and evil, generosity and greed, love and hate... This is why it is always very important to stay connected to God in almost everything we do.

29 minutes ago, yasahebalzaman.313 said:

السلام عليكم Brother Long time! Hope you're well.

Not everyone interpret self restraint as happiness, some don't even understand why they should say no to something they Want. What I'm saying is this rule doesn't apply to everyone, it applies on the believers and not all of them also. For surely when doing it at first you will feel bitterness, but if you stay steadfast on it in a way that you'd really be happy with what God is giving you and convinced that this is all you need, then you'd achieve contentment and satisfaction.

True, I like the way you think. Masha'Allah

Those few who don't understand why they should say no or maybe later to things that they want obviously weren't raised right by their parents. We're going to see more and more of this behavior in the US as my generation comes of age.

11 hours ago, Gaius I. Caesar said:

True, I like the way you think. Masha'Allah

Those few who don't understand why they should say no or maybe later to things that they want obviously weren't raised right by their parents. We're going to see more and more of this behavior in the US as my generation comes of age.

There is a hadith Qudsi that says: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فيما يرويه عن ربه عز وجل: يا ابن آدم ! خلقتك لعبادتي فلا تلعب، وقسمت لك رزقك فلا تتعب؛ وفي أكثر منه فلا تطمع فإذا رضيت بما قسمت لك أرحت نفسك وكنت عندي محموداً، وإن لم ترض بما قسمت لك: فوعزتي وجلالي لأسلطن عليك الدنيا تركض فيها كما يركض الوحش في البرية، ولا تنال منها إلا ما قسمت لك، وكنت عندي مذموماً

The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said in his narration about his Lord Almighty: Oh Son of Adam! I have created you to worship me, so do not play, and divided your livelihood, so do not get tired and do not get greedy, if you agreed to what I have divided for you, then you will be praised, and if you are not satisfied with what I have divided you: then i will make you run in this world like a monster running in the wilderness, and you won't get of it except what I divided for you, and you will be indignant.

This hadith says it all, Excuse the translation, i translated it myself because i didn't find it in english. I tried my best, i hope the message will be delivered:)

Amazing you all !! MashaAllah!!

Mashallah and well said

yes, but we should be careful because sometimes that people that look happy might be truly happy because they're believers in secret.