The Quran teaches that we are responsible for improving our lives. We need to look within ourselves for our responsibility and solutions. Personal responsibility is about recognizing our role in the story of our lives. It empowers us to create happiness from the inside out. The Quran serves as a wellspring of guidance and wisdom. The wisdom leads to the ultimate “satisfaction” and guidance directs to the right “way of living.” Security, justice, and welfare are three basic needs of every human being to have a better and happier life in Islam. Allah says:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

“Our Lord, give us goodness in this life and goodness in the Hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201)

Happiness is a powerful and elusive emotion. In life, most of us are in the constant and never-ending pursuit of happiness. The thing is society and peer groups push you towards the things that don’t always give you true happiness as we find in Islam. Everyone strives to attain happiness, yet different people have different perceptions of what it is. Happiness is typically an emotional state marked by emotions of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfilment. Allah says:

كُلُّ نَفۡسٖ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلۡمَوۡتِۗ وَنَبۡلُوكُم بِٱلشَّرِّ وَٱلۡخَيۡرِ فِتۡنَةٗۖ وَإِلَيۡنَا تُرۡجَعُونَ

“Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial, and to Us is your return.” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:35)

Happiness is frequently said to involve joyful feelings and a sense of fulfilment in one’s life. The majority of individuals often refer to their current mood or a broader sense of how they feel about life. Happiness is ranked higher by people from all walks of life than other desirable personal outcomes like income and material possessions. True happiness is not dependent on external sources rather it comes from within. True happiness can only be found by placing a greater reliance on one’s creator and working for Him.

Here we want to explore Islamic guidelines for a happier life:

1. Happiness is a charming gardeners who make our souls blossom
2. Happiness on the good and feeling thankful benefit you
3. Happiness is instrumental in getting rid of hardships
4. Happiness in  living between patience and gratitude
5. Happiness is helping people make their lives easier
6. Happiness is in a higher purpose to do good deeds
7. Happiness has more to do with the human mind
8. Happiness occurs every day in a fortunate life
9. Happiness consists more of small pleasures 
10. Happiness is a journey, not a destination
11. Happier people tend to have good families
12. Happiness is a by-product of a life well-lived
13. Happiness is the key to satisfying your soul 
14. Happiness is due to our demographic factors
15. Happiness makes friends and treasured family
16. Happiness adequate rest and an organised life
17. Happiness has more to do with the human heart
18. Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times
19. Happiness is to rejoice every single day of our life
20. Happiness makes progress toward achieving personal goals

Happiness is often seen as a trivial or simple emotion that does not require a deep understanding. This good life is happiness itself. It is realized through faith and good deeds. We look for happiness everywhere and miss the blessings we have in life right now. You can never be happy if you don’t recognize the blessing you have already. But if you recognize it, you can become happy right now. If a person wants to live a happy and blessed life in this world and hereafter, he must incorporate Quranic teachings. Allah says:

الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

“They are those who spend in charity during ease and hardship and who restrain their anger and pardon the people, for Allah loves the doers of good.”(Surah Al Imran 3:134)

The Quran continues to be the most vital source of nourishment to the heart. It has served as the constant leader, guide, light, and companion for humankind. The knowledge and inspiration are in the Quran. Those who invest the time to read and comprehend it receive the motivation and direction needed to lead a happy and serene life. Patience is necessary because problems are a part of lifeBy living a life truly devoted to Allah, inshallah we can all find the happiness we deserve.

Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:

• “Be not sad, Allah is with us.” (Quran, 9:40)
• “Allah is All-Hearer, the All-Seer.” (Quran, 19:65)
• “…Whoever gives thanks benefits his soul…” (Quran 31:12)
• “And the Hereafter is better for you than the first life.” (Quran 93:4)
• “So hold that which I have given you and be grateful.” (Quran, 7:144)
• “you have that day, nor for you will there be any denial.” (Quran 42:47)
• “I have not created men except that they should serve Me.” (Quran, 51:56)
• “The life of this world is merely the enjoyment of delusion.” (Quran 3:185)
• “And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him.” (Quran 65:3)

Our worldly lives, even when they are bolstered by faith and good works, are never free from distress and vexations. If we pursue worldly pleasures in moderation and with the proper intention, we serve the immortal soul and not merely our base desires. The Quran helps us understand how to gain happiness, while also reminding us where true happiness lies in this world. Allah says:

وَإِذۡ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمۡ لَئِن شَكَرۡتُمۡ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمۡۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرۡتُمۡ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٞ

“If you show thankfulness, I will undoubtedly give you more; if not, I will punish you severely,”  (Surah Ibrahim14:7)

Gratefulness is often the key to much of our success and well-being here on earth – and it is just as important in helping keep us happy. By being grateful to Allah, we can learn to understand that everything we receive here on earth is a blessing and that Allah is the One behind everything we experience in life. The soul’s happiness relates to virtues such as wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. Allah says:

ٱلۡمَالُ وَٱلۡبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَاۖ وَٱلۡبَٰقِيَٰتُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَٰتُ خَيۡرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابٗا وَخَيۡرٌ أَمَلٗا

“Wealth and children are the attractions of this worldly life, but lasting good works have a better reward with your Lord and give better grounds for hope.” (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:46)

The Quran teaches that life is a test to see who will be “best in deeds.” This gives us a higher purpose for living. Doing good deeds naturally feels good too. Problems are opportunities to learn. The Quran teaches that the point of our growth in this world is to reflect and learn wisdom. Responding with patience enhances self-respect as well as the ability to solve problems. Reacting to negative emotions exacerbates problems. Good deeds include freeing slaves, feeding the hungry, and spreading patience and compassion. Look for the best in yourself. You don’t have to be perfect but you do have positive qualities.