Be A GOOD MUSLIM

Finding Inner Peace

Modernism claims that material possessions and worldly achievements are the keys to happiness and the cure to all miseries. However, as believers, we know that true happiness and contentment can only be found in God, the ultimate source of all blessings and the cure for all our sorrows. God created both matter and spirit and while we are free to use the resources of this world for our benefit, we should never become slaves to materialism and put our trust solely in the things of this world. Many people today pursue wealth and fame to find happiness, but despite their achievements, they often feel empty and unfulfilled inside. True happiness cannot be found in material possessions but in a spiritual connection with God. This is why several millionaires give donations and charity to find meaning and happiness in life.

Studies have shown that people who prioritise their spiritual needs and maintain a strong connection with God are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.[i] This is because their faith gives them a sense of purpose and meaning in life and helps them navigate this world's challenges and trials. In contrast, those who place their trust solely in material possessions and deny the existence of God are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This is because they lack a sense of purpose and meaning in life and are constantly searching for something that can only be found in a spiritual connection with God. As believers, we must strive to balance our material and spiritual needs, using the world's resources for our benefit while always keeping our trust in God and seeking His guidance and blessings in all we do.

Shaikh Yusuf Al Qardawi, in his book “The Impact of Iman in the Life of an Individual” quotes an article titled "The People of Paradise are Not Happy," shedding light on the people who live in Scandinavian countries and have all the worldly riches. The author notes that in Scandinavian countries, where material wealth and security are abundant, people still resort to suicide as a means of escaping from their internal struggles. In Japan, too, the pandemic has caused people to lose their jobs, leading to increased suicides. To deal with this problem, the government appointed a special minister. Even in America, where fame and fortune are idolised, many actors and actresses have succumbed to depression and taken their own lives[ii].

In his book titled "The American Paradox: Spiritual Hunger in an Age of Plenty," David Myers emphasised that social issues and a lack of fulfilment plague prosperous nations in the twenty-first century. This is a result of their intense concentration on financial gain and strong individualism. He offers the American people several pieces of advice, one of which is to reconnect to the spiritual and moral traditions of their society. This will assist them in acquiring a sense of purpose and meaning in life, which is often absent in rich nations such as the United States.[iii]The material possessions and worldly success that many of us covet cannot provide a lasting cure for the mental afflictions that afflict mankind. In this realisation, we must turn to our faith and seek solace in the love and guidance of our Creator, for He alone can provide us with the peace and contentment that our souls crave.

When someone loses their job, fame, or a loved one, they may feel like their world is falling apart. While there are scientific reasons why someone might turn to suicide during these times, spiritual and knowledge-related factors are also at play. From childhood, many people are taught that wealth, fame, and honour are the keys to success. So, when someone fails to attain these things, they may feel like their life has lost all meaning. They might start to believe that suicide is the only way out.

The belief in Allah is a powerful force that can bring contentment and peace to believers in all situations, whether rich or poor. This trust in Allah should be instilled in children from a young age, and they must be taught the concept of 'Tawḥīd', which emphasises that only Allah is worthy of worship. This faith isn't just about worshipping Allah; it also means being happy with what He has planned for us and never giving up on His mercy.