The Prophetic Guidance on Happiness

18/10/2018| IslamWeb

The faces of the old and young – and indeed even the trees and birds around us – rejoice when they come to know about the happiness of the beloved Prophet . This is because his happiness is happiness for those who love him, and guidance for those who follow him. So, let us learn the perfect etiquette and the wonderful guidance of the Prophet in times of delight.

The Prophet felt delighted at hearing news that attested to something he had previously told others about. For instance, he rejoiced when he listened to the story of Tameem Ad-Dari with Ad-Dajjal (the Antichrist), because it was a confirmation of what he had himself told his Companions about the Dajjal.

He used to be glad when he saw his Companions competing with each other in good deeds and hastening to obey Allah The Almighty and His Messenger. It is narrated that some poor people who were in a very miserable state came to the Prophet asking him for help. So he stood up to speak to the people and urged them to give charity to those people. Consequently, they competed with each other in this until they collected a large amount. When the Prophet saw this, he rejoiced and his face beamed with joy as if it were a piece of gold.

The Prophet used to feel happy when something good happened to any of his Companions, such as his delight when Allah The Almighty accepted the repentance of Ka’b ibn Malik and his two companions . Besides, he reportedly rejoiced at meeting whoever reminded him of someone he loved, as in the story of Halah bint Khuwaylid, the sister of his wife Khadeejah when she sought permission to enter upon him. He remembered Khadeejah's way of seeking permission, so he was pleased with this and said: "O Allah, let it be Halah! O Allah, let it be Halah!"

Additionally, the Prophet used to be delighted at hearing words that implied supporting and backing for the religion of Allah The Almighty. For example, he felt extremely delighted when his Companions said to him in the Battle of Badr, "We will not say to you like the people of Moosa (Moses ) said to him: {Go, you and your Lord, and fight. Indeed, we are remaining right here} [Quran 5:24], rather, we will fight at your right and your left, and in front of you and behind you."

His happiness never made him forget to thank the favors of Allah The Almighty upon him, for whenever he received pleasing news, he would prostrate to show his gratitude to Allah The Almighty and thankfulness for His favors.

Such was the Prophetic delight that did not overlook human needs and the psychological feelings, yet, at the same time, taught the hearts to rely on Allah The Almighty alone, and to always be in a state of servitude and worship to Him. Therefore, let us be happy and express our happiness in accordance with his manners and follow his Sunnah (Prophetic tradition).

Whenever we remember the Prophet we cannot restrain ourselves from invoking the peace and blessings of Allah upon him, for he was the one whose face was radiant and when he felt happy, he beamed with joy like the moon. His happiness was not out of arrogance or vanity; rather, he was happy when he saw the truth prevail, and when he saw falsehood vanquished. His happiness made those around him happy, and still makes those who hear about him happy; and the happiness continues forever and ever. This Prophetic guidance teaches us how to be happy, and the things and manner for which we should express happiness.

Let us bring up this wonderful incident and contemplate the joy of the Prophet in it. He once entered upon his wife ‘Aa'ishah and his face was lit up. This was when the truth was revealed to the people after they were in doubt about the lineage of Usamah ibn Zayd . This happened when Mujazziz Al-Mudliji, who was a genealogist, confirmed that Usamah was the real son of Zayd both. ‘Aa'ishah narrated this incident by saying, “Once the Messenger of Allah entered upon me and he was in a very happy mood, with his features glittering with joy, and [he] said: ‘O ‘Aa'ishah! Don't you know that Mujazziz Al-Mudliji entered and saw Usamah and Zayd with velvet covering on them and their heads were covered while their feet were uncovered? He said, 'These feet belong to each other.’’”

Here is another image of the happiness of the Prophet which we need to contemplate. He rejoiced after the truth was revealed when Allah The Almighty sent down the acquittal of his pure wife ‘Aa'ishah from what the scandalmongers and hypocrites had accused her of.

Then he also rejoiced when ‘Aa'ishah chose him after the verse of giving the choice (i.e., Quran 33:28, 29) was sent down. When this verse was revealed, he called ‘Aa'ishah and said to her: "I am going to tell you about something and you do not have to hasten to respond until you consult your parents." "Concerning what do I need to consult my parents?" she replied, "I choose Allah and His Messenger and the Home of the Hereafter." In another narration, she said, "O Messenger of Allah, do I have to consult my parents about you! I choose Allah, His Messenger and the Hereafter."

This was the happiness of the Prophet . It was in Allah The Almighty and by Him, and in truth and by truth. Thus, we should follow his example and rejoice as he used to.